Skip to content

WATCH: Dylan Hartley sees red for Northampton Saints against Leinster

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

England captain Dylan Hartley was sent off just six minutes after coming on as a substitute in Northampton Saints' 37-10 defeat to Leinster

England captain Dylan Hartley's disciplinary problems returned as he was sent off in Northampton Saints' defeat to Leinster on Friday night.

Hartley was red-carded just six minutes after coming on as a replacement as his Northampton side slumped to a 37-10 defeat in the European Champions Cup.

Hartley, who had started on the bench following autumn international duty, replaced Mikey Haywood after 50 minutes for his 50th appearance in the tournament.

However, the 30-year-old hooker was soon heading off in disgrace for a a swinging arm to the back of the head of Leinster flanker Sean O'Brien.

The incident could now dent Hartley's hopes of captaining the British and Irish Lions on their tour of New Zealand next summer.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

The Sky Sports panel discuss Dylan Harltey's red card on Sean O'Brien in the Champions Cup.

The result condemned 2000 champions Northampton to a second defeat in three Pool 4 games and allowed Leinster to cement top spot.

Saints ended the game with 13 men when replacement forward George Pisi was yellow-carded for a high tackle.

Also See:

"It's happening too much," said Saints director of rugby Jim Mallinder of his team's woeful disciplinary record.

"The players don't do it on purpose but you have to be so careful now. We have spoken about it over the last few weeks and we have had our disciplinary issues and it continues to haunt us."

Click play on the video above to watch the incident unfold..

Around Sky