Saracens assistant coach Tim Wright has added his voice to the criticism condemning England captain Martin Johnson's punch on Scotland international Robbie Russell.
Russell and Johnson were grappling with each other for the ball during Leicester's 48-7 Premiership victory over Saracens at Vicarage Road.
Wright said: "There was no need for Johnson to turn around and stick a right upper-cut on him. I think he's a very lucky man; I should think he was more than happy with that yellow card at the time".
"Obviously, Robbie is a bit downhearted by it all. He didn't feel that he was given protection by the referee," Wright said. "The idea that the referee has given Robbie a yellow card as well is ridiculous, because he's a completely innocent party in all of this".
Russell needed six stitches in a wound below his left eye.
Wright today confirmed that Saracens will appeal against hooker Russell's yellow card, collected at the same time as Johnson was cautioned.
Johnson could yet face a disrepute charge if Rugby Football Union disciplinary officer Robert Horner decides there is sufficient evidence to take the matter further.
But he will captain England in next Saturday's Lloyds TSB Six Nations Championship showdown with Ireland.
Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan is due to name his team later today.