Harlequins coach Brian McDermott has slammed the two-match ban given to Paul Sykes for a ‘spear’ tackle as too lenient.

Sykes, a former Harlequins player, admitted a grade C charge of a dangerous throw on prop Oliver Wilkes during the Bulls’ 35-18 defeat in London last Friday and was also fined £300 for the offence.

But McDermott believes the offence deserves a longer suspension and said: “Whoever sat on that disciplinary hearing clearly does not understand what is and is not dangerous in today’s game.

“Do we really have to wait until someone is intentionally put in a wheelchair before we stop classifying spear tackles as on a par with a mistimed head-high challenge or two men letting their emotions spill over into a punch-up?

“Two of these offences will bust your lip or break a nose at worst. One will break your spine and ruin your life. However, judging by the punishment handed out here, no one would know the difference. Where is the deterrent?

“In the past maybe fear of reprieve from the judiciary has kept some silent about such irregular punishments. But to keep quiet and take this without comment is wrong.”