Leinster put themselves in pole position in Pool 4 of the Champions Cup after a comprehensive victory over Northampton at Franklin's Gardens on Friday night. Tries from Gary Ringrose, Sean O'Brien, Rory O'Loughlin, Jamison Gibson-Park, and Isa Nacewa gave Leo Cullen's side a bonus point win which pushes them six points clear ahead of Sunday's meeting of Castres and Montpellier.
But ahead of next Saturday's return fixture at the Aviva Stadium, there was one huge talking point. Dylan Hartley was sent off for swinging an arm at Sean O'Brien, and he'll now miss the game in Ballsbridge.
The current England captain's disciplnary record is poor. He's been sent off on seven occasions now, from verbally abusing referee Wayne Barnes during the Aviva Premiership final against Leicester in May 2013, to eye-gouging Wasps forwards James Haskell and Jonny O’Connor back in April 2007.
WATCH: England Captain Dylan Hartley receives RED CARD v Leinster for swinging arm on flanker Sean O'Brien @ChampionsCup pic.twitter.com/Pej8RMgUa1
— Sky Sports Rugby ?? (@SkySportsRugby) December 9, 2016
Friday night's moment of thuggery is likely to see him add to a career total of 54 weeks in bans.
2003 World Cup winner Will Greenwood had little pity for the current England skipper. "A swinging arm is a swinging arm. Did he go with a swinging arm, which all rugby players know is with an intent to hurt? Yes he did."
The incident will likely lead to an eight week ban. With Hartley playing well for his country, who have won their last 14 games, any time on the sideline might also damage England's Six Nations hopes.
