Cian Healy spoke of his relief after he was found to have no case to answer following allegations of biting make by Western Force scrumhalf Brett Sheehan during the Lions game against the Australian Super 15 franchise.
In an official statement released by the Lions, the Clontarf, Leinster and Ireland loosehead prop said he had been disappointed to be cited in the first place.
“I am very relieved that the hearing has cleared me of such an allegation,” he said. I was naturally very disappointed that there was a citing in the first place.
“I always maintained that nothing happened and that I had done nothing illegal. The opposition player’s arm hit me. It is as simple as that. The support I had from the management and all the lads was wonderful, and I am glad that it is all over.”
Lions manager Andy Irvine added: "The British and Irish Lions are very pleased with the outcome of today's judicial hearing in Brisbane. The judicial officer, Nigel Hampton QC, was extremely fair and thoroughly considered all the facts of the case in great detail.
“We always believed that Cian had done nothing wrong and had not acted maliciously in any way. The decision was important to the player’s, and indeed, squad’s integrity, as the allegation was a serious one.”