France flanker Serge Betsen was today suspended for six weeks for kicking England scrumhalf Matt Dawson in the head during the World Cup semi-final.
"The citing complaint against Serge Betsen for kicking an opponent in the head was upheld by the Judicial Officer. He accepted it was not deliberate, but did represent a reckless act," World Cup organisers said in a statement.
The ban, which will run from November 17th to December 29th, was handed out after taking into account "a number of mitigating factors, including a letter of apology to Matt Dawson, that there had been no intention to hurt or injure, and the representations made as to the player's previous good record.
Betsen could have been banned for 18 weeks by judicial officer Brian McLoughlin of Ireland.
"I explained to the judicial officer panel that I regretted the incident and that it was not something I did on purpose but a reflex," Betsen said.
The French flanker has not been selected to face New Zealand in Thursday's World Cup play-off because of knee injury.
The kicking incident happened just before halftime of Sunday's semi-final, won 24-7 by England. Dawson left the field with blood streaming from a head wound. He was replaced by Kyran Bracken in the second half.
Betsen is the fifth player banned for foul play during the tournament.