Leicester scrum-half Micky Young has been suspended for eight weeks for making contact with the eye area of Aironi wing Giulio Toniolatti.

Young: Banned for eight weeks

The incident took place during the first half of the Tigers' Heineken Cup victory at Welford Road last Saturday.

Young pleaded not guilty before a disciplinary hearing convened in Dublin on Friday.

Independent Judicial Officer Pat Barriscale upheld the citing complaint, but it was concluded that Young had committed an act which was reckless rather than deliberate.

An ERC statement read: "Employing the International Rugby Board recommended sanctions for Law 10.4(m), it was decided that the offence was at the low-end entry point of 12 weeks.

"Having taken into account the player's excellent record and exemplary conduct during the hearing, the player was granted mitigation of four weeks and received a suspension of eight weeks."

Young, who misses England Saxons' clash with Irish Wolfhounds on Saturday because of the disciplinary process, is available to play from March 19.

RFU regulation 19.5.2 does not permit a cited player "to play in an international or any other match governed by IRB regulation 17 until the final determination of the case".

Young, who will be available for the last five matches of the regular Aviva Premiership season, has the right of appeal.