Sam Whitelock has received a two-week suspension for striking a Cheetahs player with his elbow in Bloemfontein. 

The incident occurred in the 71st minute of the match, which the Crusaders won 48-21. Whitelock received a yellow card.

WATCH: Highlights of Cheetahs vs Crusaders

The Sanzaar judicial committee found: 'Having conducted a detailed review of all the available evidence, including all camera angles and additional evidence, including from the player and submissions from his legal representative, Aaron Lloyd, the judicial committee upheld the citing under Law 10.4(a) Striking another Player with the hand, arm or fist.

'With respect to sanction the judicial committee deemed the act of foul play merited a mid range entry point of four weeks due to the World Rugby stipulation that a strike to the head shall result in at least a mid range entry point sanction. However, taking into account mitigating factors including the fact that the player had an excellent disciplinary record including 110 Super Rugby games for the Crusaders and 84 Test caps for the All Blacks, the judicial committee reduced the otherwise applicable sanction from four weeks to two weeks.

'The Player is therefore suspended for two weeks, up to and including 13 May 2017.'