DRAGONS number eight Taine Basham has been banned for one week following his red card in the defeat at Worcester Warriors.

The 20-year-old forward was sent off by referee Marius Mitrea for a dangerous tackle on replacement back Gareth Simpson in the 19th minute of the European Challenge Cup clash at Sixways last Saturday.

He attended a disciplinary hearing in London where Mitrea’s red-card decision was upheld by the committee.

The offence was also deemed at the “low end” of World Rugby’s sanctions and the suspension was cut to one week due to Basham’s “inexperience” and “expression of remorse”.

Basham will miss Friday’s home meeting with Warriors but will be free to play from Monday.

A statement from European Professional Club Rugby said the committee considered video imagery of the incident and heard evidence and submissions from Basham, Dragons boss Dean Ryan and disciplinary officer Liam McTiernan.

“The committee upheld the red card decision finding that the player had committed an act of foul play,” the statement added.

“It was decided that offence was at the low end of World Rugby’s sanctions and two weeks was selected as the appropriate entry point.

“There were no aggravating factors, and taking into account the player’s clear disciplinary record, his youth and inexperience and his expression of remorse, the Committee reduced the sanction by the maximum of 50 per cent before imposing a one-week suspension.

“Basham is free to play on Monday, December 16 and both he and EPCR have the right to appeal the decision.”