London Irish yesterday criticised Leicester's three-week ban of England star Austin Healey as "inadequate".

And the Exiles confirmed they will proceed with their citing against Healey for stamping on his opposite number, Kevin Putt, during last weekend's English Premiership match at Welford Road.

It means that scrum-half Healey, whose 21-day club suspension rules him out of two Five Nations Championship matches with England and Leicester's English Cup quarter-final against Richmond, now faces further possible disciplinary action.

The recommended English Rugby Football Union punishment for stamping is 12 weeks, but anything up to a six-month ban could be imposed. Healey, capped 18 times, will be summoned to attend an RFU hearing, and if found guilty, must expect a considerable spell on the sidelines.

He described the 13th-minute incident as "a complete accident," even though television pictures clearly showed him trampling on Putt's face, leaving the South African requiring six stitches above his right eye.