NORTHAMPTON Saints flanker Calum Clark has been banned for three weeks for striking Worcester Warriors' Donncha O'Callaghan with his elbow.

Clark pleaded guilty to the offence at a disciplinary hearing in Coventry last night.

The first-half incident, in last Friday's Aviva Premiership match at Sixways, was missed by referee Greg MacDonald and the other match officials.

O'Callaghan was outraged with the officials after the penalty decision went against the hosts.

Clark was cited by the citing commissioner for dangerous play and is free to play again on Tuesday, December 13.

The RFU disciplinary panel said: "The panel found this was not a premeditated act but an intentional strike to the head of an opponent that merited a mid-range entry point of three weeks. The player’s remorse before the panel was genuine and heartfelt."

The panel comprised of HHJ Sean Enright (chairman), Tony Wheat and Chris Skaife.

Saints pipped Warriors 18-17 in last week's match.