London Irish centre Steven Shingler has been given a four week ban for a dangerous tackle on Cardiff Blues centre Daffyd Hewitt in the Heineken Cup.

The incident occured last weekend on November the 18th and rules Shingler out of the upcoming Premiership matches as well at Heineken Cup matches.

Shingler's ban immediately rules him out of this weekend's Premiership match against London Wasps and extends through to the Exiles Heineken Cup home and away ties against Racing Metro on December 10 and 17.

Shingler pleaded guilty and was initially in line for an eight-week suspension, but the sentence was reduced after his hitherto good record and guilty plea were taken into account.

Shingler was sent off in the 20th minute of his side's 24-18 loss at Cardiff in the second round of Heineken Cup games.