Johnson allowed to go out in style

Martin Johnson is breathing a sigh of relief after being handed the chance to end his amazing career in style - rather than on the sidelines.

The Leicester captain faced a possible season-ending suspension after receiving three yellow cards this campaign for striking an opponent.

But Johnson's protest against the caution handed out by top English referee Chris White following an incident with Saracens forward Ben Russell during a Zurich Premiership defeat eight days ago, was upheld at a Rugby Football Union hearing in Coventry.

"I am very pleased with the result, and I am looking forward to the rest of the season," said England's World Cup-winning skipper.

Johnson is now free to continue playing in his farewell season before retirement, starting with next Saturday's top-of-the-table Premiership clash against Wasps at Welford Road.

He is also available for next month's title play-offs, which could culminate in Leicester facing Wasps at Twickenham on May 14.

Yellow card 'appropriate'

Announcing the four-man panel's unanimous verdict, chairman Rick Charles added: "We understood the referee's conclusion that a yellow card was appropriate.

"His report is based on a fight between Martin Johnson and Ben Russell on the ground.

"However, having studied the video evidence, we were not convinced that there was a fight.

"We concluded that Johnson was illegally removed from the maul in a manner that was dangerous and left him on his back in an exposed position.

"We have also studied the video of his immediate reaction, and we are satisfied that there was contact as he turned towards Russell.

"But we are not satisfied to the required standard that the contact amounted to foul play justifying a yellow card."

Cards issued for two offences of striking an opponent in the Premiership matches against Northampton in September and February this term stand.