Hanks incident 'accidental' (From Times Series)

Panel rules that Exeter Chiefs forward James Hanks' altercation with Saracens' Steve Borthwick was 'accidental'

12:12pm Wednesday 26th September 2012 in Sport By Tom Allnutt

The citing of Exeter Chiefs forward James Hanks for ‘making contact with the eye or eye area’ of Saracens ’ Steve Borthwick during a match last Sunday has been dismissed.

The panel of the RFU Disciplinary Officer, His Honour Judge Jeff Blackett (chair), Nick Dark and Mike Curling decided that the contact was accidental.

His Honour Judge Blackett said: "The panel concluded that James Hanks' finger did make contact with Steve Borthwick's eye.

"However, the contact occurred in a dynamic situation during a ruck, when James Hanks was driving forward and putting his hand down to prevent him from falling over.

"The contact was entirely accidental.”