Sharks captain Ruan Botha has been handed a four-week suspension after being shown a red card during their loss to the Jaguares in Buenos Aires on Friday night.
Botha, who was blown up for a dangerous clear-out at a ruck in the 72nd minute, pleaded guilty to contravening Law 9.12: "Striking with hand or arm", which was accepted by the SANZAAR Foul Play Review Committee.
The lock-forward has been suspended from all rugby for four weeks, which will last up to and including 23 June, but will not miss any rugby as the Sharks' next match is on 30 June after the four-week international for the South African teams.
Foul Play Review Committee Chairman Nigel Hampton QC ruled the following in his finding: "Having conducted a detailed review of all the available evidence, including all camera angles and additional evidence, including from the player and submissions from his legal representative, Adrian Montzinger, the Foul Play Review Committee upheld the Red Card under Law 9.12".
The committee added 1 week to Botha's initial sanction due to the fact that he was suspended for a similar incident less than 12 months ago, though his "guilty plea at the first available" got the suspension reduced to four weeks.
The Sharks will host the Lions in Durban on 30 June after South Africa's Test matches against Wales and England.