BRISTOL (England), Feb 22: England captain Martin Johnson has received a 21-day ban for punching another player, a disciplinary panel ruled Friday.

The ban — running from Feb 22 to March 14 — means England is likely to face Six Nations rival France without their crucial lock.

The away game against France on March 2 looks set to be a grand slam decider between the two unbeaten teams.

Johnson, capped 65 times for England and twice British Lions captain, was caught on camera punching Saracens hooker Robbie Russell while playing for Leicester Tigers on February 9.

The assault left the hooker with blood streaming down his face from a gash that needed six stitches.

Both players were given yellow cards and sent to the sin bin for 10 minutes after the second half brawl.

Johnson could appeal the ruling and Leicester manager Dean Richards said the team would consider the ruling over the weekend.

“We’re taking into consideration the hearing itself,” Richards said.

The panel, led by Richard Lloyd Smith Q.C, refuted suggestions that the captain had been banned as an example because of his role as captain of England rather than for the punch itself.—Reuters