London Welsh skipper Tom May will learn his fate today after being sent off in their 24-9 Aviva Premiership defeat at London Irish on Boxing Day.

The former England international centre received a red card along with London Irish replacement lock Dan Leo in the first half of the bottom-of-the table clash.

May was seen to fling an elbow back at Leo during a maul, before the pair wrestled each other to the ground.

After consulting the television match official, referee Greg Garner sent off the pair, who are to face a Rugby Football Union disciplinary hearing at lunchtime today.

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London Irish director of rugby Brian Smith felt that Leo was harshly dealt with and promised to defend his player.

London Welsh have declined to comment on their stance over the incident.

After the match, which leaves his side 14 points adrift at the bottom, Welsh’s head coach Justin Burnell defended May.

“It’s not in Tom’s nature,” said Burnell.

“He feels he’s let the team down. He’s a good guy and a very good captain.”

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