Reds No 8 Scott Higginbotham has received a three-week suspension for a dangerous tackle on Rebels lock Matt Philip.

The incident took place in the 10th minute of Friday’s Super Rugby match in Melbourne. Higginbotham was red-carded, with his team going on to lose 45-19.

WATCH: Higginbotham receives red card

Higginbotham pleaded guilty to the dangerous tackle charge and will be out of action up to and including 17 March, Sanzaar’s judiciary committee said.

‘With respect to sanction, the foul play review committee deemed the act of foul play merited a mid-range entry point of six weeks due to the player’s direct contact by his shoulder to his opponent’s head,’ panel chairperson Nigel Hampton said.

‘However, taking into account mitigating factors, including the player’s good record over a long career, the lack of injury to the victim and his guilty plea at the earliest possible opportunity, the foul play review committee reduced the suspension to three weeks.’

OPINION: Referees must use their heads

Photo: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images