Dupuy’s six-month ban ‘excessive’, claim Stade

FRANCE’S first choice scrum-half Julien Dupuy has been ruled out of the RBS 6 Nations Championship after receiving a six-month ban for eye-gouging.

An independent disciplinary hearing in Dublin yesterday ruled that Dupuy should be suspended up to and including June 3, 2010 for eye-gouging Ulster, Ireland and Lions flanker Stephen Ferris during Stade’s Pool Four Heineken Cup match against Ulster at Ravenhill on December 12.

Stade replacement prop David Attoub, who was also cited for eye-gouging Ferris, faces an anxious wait to learn his fate after independent judicial officer Judge Jeff Blackett ruled that further evidence needed to be considered and adjourned the hearing until a date to be confirmed in January.