British and Irish Lions prop Cian Healy has been cited for allegedly biting an opponent.
Healy is alleged to have committed the offence on Western Force scrum-half Brett Sheehan during Wednesday’s tour game at Patersons Stadium, the Australian Rugby Union has announced.
Ireland and Leinster forward Healy was later carried off after suffering an ankle injury that is threatening his future participation in the tour with England prop Alex Corbisiero already called up as injury cover.
The ARU said, in a statement: “British and Irish Lions prop, Cian Healy, has been cited for acts contrary to good sportsmanship against Emirates Western Force scrum-half, Brett Sheehan, in the opening match of the DHL Australia 2013Lions Tour.
“Healy has been cited under Law 10.4.m Acts contrary to good sportsmanship, a player may not bite an opponent.
“Healy will now appear at a judicial hearing tomorrow (Thursday June 6).”
Match citing officier, South African Freek Burger, asked Sheehan to provide him with a statement after he made a biting allegation to referee Glen Jackson during the game.
The game was held up while television match official Glenn Newman looked at replays from different angles of any alleged offence, but nothing materialised from that footage.
Healy, who had been widely tipped to win a Lions Test place against Australia later this month, could face a lengthy ban. But he is also battling to overcome a suspected ankle ligament injury.
Head coach Warren Gatland said: “Cian has had an X-ray and, while his left ankle is not broken, he will be assessed further when we get to Brisbane.”
The Lions leave Perth for Brisbane, where they face the Queensland Reds on Saturday.
London Irish forward Corbisiero, 24, was rated as unlucky to miss out on the original squad and was with England’s squad preparing to face Argentina on Saturday.