Lions hooker Robbie Coetzee will only miss one match after he was banned for five weeks following his red card offence against the Kings at Ellis Park on Sunday.

Coetzee was sent off in the 31st minute of the Super Rugby match after using his knee against the head of Kings flank Chris Cloete at a ruck in an act of retaliation.

The 28-year-old was charged with contravening Law 10.4(c) Kicking an opponent amended to Law 10.4(a) Striking with the knee, to which he pleaded guilty.

Coetzee has been suspended from all forms of the game for five weeks, up to and including 1 July. He will sit out the Lions' game against the Sunwolves after the international window, but will be available for selection against the Sharks two weeks later on 15 July.

'Having conducted a detailed review of all the available evidence, including all camera angles and additional evidence, as well as a statement from the player and submissions from his legal representative, Adrian Montzinger, the foul play review committee amended the charge to Law 10.4(a). The player admitted the amended charge.'

'With respect to sanction the foul play review committee deemed the act of foul play, which involved an intentional strike with the player's knee to an opponent's head, merited a mid range entry point of suspension for eight weeks. However, taking into account mitigating factors including the Player's apology to the opposing player, his remorse and his early guilty plea, we reduced the suspension to five weeks.'

Photo: Anton Geyser/Gallo Images