Hartley Sees Red As Northampton Edge Leicester

Northampton edged out Leicester 23-19 at Franklin's Gardens as Saints captain Dylan Hartley was sent-off for elbowing an opponent in the face and could now miss the start of England's Six Nations campaign.

Hooker Hartley's career has been scarred by repeated disciplinary episodes, including a 26-week ban for eye-gouging in 2007 and an 11-week suspension for verbally abusing referee Wayne Barnes during the 2013 Aviva Premiership final against Leicester.

That latter ban led to him missing the British and Irish Lions tour of Australia, and Rugby Football Union disciplinary chiefs could easily take a dim view of his latest indiscretion.

It happened after just 17 minutes of a titanic east Midlands derby that 14-man Northampton won by four points thanks to substitute Jamie Elliott's 77th-minute try that fly-half Stephen Myler converted from the touchline.

Saints had earlier delivered tries for prop Alex Waller and replacement Ben Foden, plus two Myler penalties, with the lead changing hands five times during a pulsating second period.

Wing Vereniki Goneva claimed two touchdowns for Tigers, which followed an early penalty try, while Owen Williams and Freddie Burns each kicked a conversion.

Referee J P Doyle seemed happy to award a yellow card when Hartley's elbow caught Tigers centre Matt Smith in the face.

As Smith fell to the ground, a brawl broke out involving several players, but television match official Sean Davey urged Doyle to watch further replays, and he responded by sending 61 times-capped Hartley off.

England open their Six Nations campaign against Wales in Cardiff on February 6, and, given 28-year-old Hartley's poor record, another lengthy suspension appears likely, with a disciplinary hearing set to be convened before Christmas.

The only current consolation for Hartley is that Saints will lead the Premiership going into the festive period after they showed immense character to keep Tigers out.