Connacht star Mack Hansen has been suspended for three matches as punishment for criticising the quality of officiating by referee Chris Busby in a Vodacom United Rugby Championship loss against Leinster in December.

An Independent Disciplinary Panel upheld a charge of misconduct, citing Hansen’s remarks as a breach of the championship’s disciplinary rules. Connacht Rugby also received a suspended €10,000 fine for failing to manage the situation effectively.

Watch: ‘It’s bulls**t!’ – Hansen blasts URC officials

Australian-born Hansen caved in the face of a potential six-week ban, expressing remorse for his comments, apologising to Busby and agreeing to complete an officiating course, resulting in a suspension of three weeks of his sanction. Similarly, the club fine was suspended as Connacht agreed to conduct a media conduct workshop for players.

Hansen will miss Connacht’s next three matches: Lyon (11 January), Cardiff (17 January), and Glasgow Warriors (24 January).

Photo: Seb Daly/Sportsfile via Getty Images