Dupuy could miss the Six Nations

Stade Francais scrum-half Julien Dupuy has appealed against the 24-week ban handed down to him for eye-gouging.

Dupuy was cited for attacking Ulster flanker Stephen Ferris during Stade's 23-13 European Cup loss on 12 December.

Stade president Max Guazzini said the ban was "excessive" and "anti-French", and Dupuy, who apologised for the incident, has now launched his appeal.

Should the six-month suspension stand, Dupuy will sit out France's Six Nations campaign next February and March.

When handing out the punishment to Dupuy, officials labelled the offence as "at the top end in the level of seriousness for an offence of this type".

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However, France national coach Marc Lievremont, responding to the ban last Friday, said: "I hope there is an appeal and that the ban is replaced by something more reasonable."

Guazzini added: "The ERC wanted to make an example of a symbolic player of Stade Francais and of the French team which has never had a disciplinary problem.

"It's not normal that a private organisation in Ireland prevents a club employee from working, from playing. It is we who pay him."

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