Three weeks for ref abuser

Referee abuser Elliot Daly has been hit with a three-week ban.

It follows his altercation with match official Ian Tempest in Wasps' 15-31 Premiership defeat at Exeter Chiefs last Saturday.

The charge against Daly, for acts contrary to good sportsmanship, Law 10.4(m), was heard in London on Wednesday.

The 22-year-old centre pleaded guilty.

"In the Premiership match between Exeter Chiefs and Wasps last Saturday, November 22, Daly verbally abused the match referee Ian Tempest," the Rugby Football Union said in a statement.

"The incident was subsequently cited.   

"Daly was given a three week ban. He is free to play again on December 16. "

Daly will miss this coming Saturday's Premiership clash with Leicester Tigers and the crucial back-to-back European Champions Cup battles with Castres.

The panel comprised of Gareth Rees and Inigo Churchill.

"I would like to apologise for what I said to the referee, Ian Tempest, during our game against Exeter Chiefs," said Daly, who will also be disciplined internally by the club, in a statement.

"The language I used was inappropriate and it was wrong of me to criticise the referee.

"Respect for the referee is paramount and I crossed the line. I have already called Tempest to apologise personally for saying something in the heat of the moment, which I regret and wish I could take back.

"I made a mistake, now I need to take the punishment and make sure it never happens again."