Toulon lock Romain Taofifenua faces a lengthy ban from rugby

The incident is alleged to have happened early in the second half of Toulon's impressive 23-13 victory in Belfast on Saturday, which put the Heineken Cup holders in charge of Pool Three as they look to replicate their continental successes in the reformatted tournament.

Taofifenua could be hit with a ban ranging from four to 52 weeks depending on how severe the incident is judged to be.

A ban would have consequences for Toulon and also France as they prepare for their November internationals against Fiji, Australia and Argentina - which Taofifenua had been expected to play a part in.

Taofifenua will learn his fate after a hearing - slated to take place on Thursday in Dublin.