Accused Hayes receives backing; HEINEKEN CUP.

MUNSTER prop John Hayes last night received a show of support from his coach and captain ahead of a hearing into an alleged stamping.

The Lions player faces a disciplinary panel today after an uncharacteristic red card offence on opposing prop Cian Healy during his team's Magners League defeat to Leinster on Saturday. Coach Tony McGahan insisted there was no malicious intent in the incident. "We feel that he was just trying to find the ground with his foot," McGahan said. "We certainly feel confident that John will be held in high regard as he is and his record will speak for itself." McGahan is confident he has a strong squad to pull from for the upcoming Heineken Cup tie against Northampton if Hayes ends up being punished.

"Tony Buckley is an international player so we feel that he would easily be able to step into that position," he added.

Munster and Lions captain Paul O'Connell said he believed the alleged stamping had been accidental. "I reckon Hayes probably meant to ruck the player," he said.

"It would be disappointing to lose him, he's been great for us for a very long number of years.

"I don't know how it's going to go on Tuesday, we'll have to see that, but hopefully he won't be gone for that long."

O'Connell insisted the crushing defeat by Leinster will spur his team on for their clash with Saints. The men in red were beaten 30-0 at Dublin's RDS. "Everything needs to improve from last weekend. I think if it does, we have a good chance at the weekend," he said.

"I think it will be a big motivation for us having had such a disappointing performance last Saturday.

"We did none of our basics well and that's the most important thing you do."

The Lions skipper admitted Munster had a difficult challenge ahead against fellow Pool One teams Perpignan, Treviso and Northampton.

Meanwhile, Peter Richards of London Irish has been banned for one week by the Rugby Football Union following his dismissal for elbowing Sale Sharks' Neil Briggs in the Guinness Premiership match at Edgeley Park last Friday.