Lee, received a yellow card from referee Nigel Owens in the 33rd minute of the match at the Sportsground in Galway.

Lee was pinned for a high tackle, when he stuck out an arm in an attempt to make a tackle. Owens told Lee during the game “You are lucky that there was no force, otherwise it could have been more than just a yellow card.”

Later in the game, Gerhard Olivier, was penalised for a similar offence, by Owens deemed it to be nothing more serious than a penalty.

The Connacht lock, Ultan Dillane, was penalised for a neck-roll late in the second half of the game, however, is also just escaped with a penalty against him, even though it is a much more serious offence.

The Pro14 sent out a release confirming that Lee will have to appear before the citing commission on Wednesday for an alleged incident which occurred in the 64th minute, and not for his earlier card.

“A Disciplinary Committee will meet in Cardiff, Wales on Wednesday, February 20 to consider the Citing Complaint made against Nico Lee (No 12) of the Toyota Cheetahs for an alleged incident which occurred against Connacht Rugby on Saturday, February 16, 2019.

“The complaint refers to an incident involving Connacht Rugby No 7 (Colby Fainga'a) in the 64th minute of the Guinness PRO14 Round 15 fixture at The Sportsground (Galway).

“The player has been reported by the Citing Commissioner in charge for alleged infringement of Law 9.27 – A player must not do anything that is against the spirit of good sportsmanship.

“The Player will face a Disciplinary Committee via video conference, the Committee will comprise of Owain Rhys James (Chair), Richard Cole and Nigel Williams (all Wales).”

Lee’s good disciplinary record and the fact that Owens’ only issued a yellow card should count in his favour, and he is expected to plead guilty to the charge.

The Cheetahs face the 2016/17 champions, Scarlets, at Parc y Scarlets in Llanelli on Saturday.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport