Player handed 14-week ban for shoving Wayne Barnes

Georgian and Clermont flanker Viktor Kolelishvili has been handed a 14-week ban for pushing referee Wayne Barnes during a European Rugby Champions Cup clash on Saturday.

Kolelishvili received just a telling off and a penalty from Barnes independent disciplinary hearing came down harder on him.

After hearing evidence and Kolelishvili pleading guilty to the offence, the judicial officer David Martin found that he had "committed an act of foul play that warranted a red card".

He won't be free to play again until April 25.

The French visitors were defending a 7-3 lead at the time of the incident, thanks to an early try from Wesley Fofana, when Kolelishvili grew frustrated with Barnes' positioning.

The Georgian then shoved Barnes as Clermont prepared to repel another Ospreys attack drawing cries of derision from the home crowd.

Barnes was well within his rights to hand Kolelishvili a red card but instead just gave him a warning.

"If I'm standing in your way please just ask me to move," Barnes said.

Not sure Viktor Kolelishbili is a fan of Wayne Barnes! #ERCC #ChampionsCuphttps://t.co/XNPLNRiDwg
https://t.co/Ki4mmgESf1

— Ultimate Rugby (@ultimaterugby) January 15, 2016

What a nuts thing to do! Fair play to Wayne Barnes for not over reacting. https://t.co/RTaC95VFQZ

— Brian O'Driscoll (@BrianODriscoll) January 15, 2016

Kolelishvili was sent to the bin not long after however, for two blows on Alun Wyn Jones off the ball.

Though in an act of sportsmanship Jones asked Barnes to leave Kolelishvili on the field, but the request was denied by the referee.

However instead of playacting or feigning injury, and to the astonishment of many, the Welsh second row pleaded with Wayne Barnes not to sin bin the Georgian international.

Sam Davies came off the bench for Ospreys to kick four penalties and a drop kick to secure a 21-13 win.