FULL-BACK Chris Pennell has been hit with a two-week ban for his "reckless challenge" in Worcester Warriors' 36-16 defeat at Gloucester.

The Sixways star received a yellow card by referee Tom Foley for taking out an airborne Charlie Sharples in the 57th minute at Kingsholm on Saturday.

But Pennell was cited contrary to Law 9.17 for tackling a player whose feet were off the ground, causing him to land in a dangerous position.

The 31-year-old pleaded guilty to the charge at an independent disciplinary hearing on Tuesday night and the panel comprising of John Brennan (chair), Matt Bayliss and Tony Wheat suspended him for two weeks.

He is free to play again on December 18.

Brennan said: "The panel accepted that this was a reckless challenge caused by a misjudgement on the player's part.

"Fortunately, no significant injury was caused.

"The panel found the entry point was low-end.

"There were no aggravating features and the player was entitled to full mitigation of 50 per cent because he admitted the charge, had a hitherto unblemished record, despite a long career, and had expressed remorse."