The Highlanders' James Haskell has been cited for striking Cheetahs flanker Justin Downey © Getty Images

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Players/Officials: James Haskell

Tournaments/Tours: Super Rugby

Teams: Highlanders | New Zealand

Highlanders flanker James Haskell faces a ban after being cited for punching.

The England international was called up in the wake of his side's 36-33 Super Rugby victory over the Cheetahs, having been yellow carded for striking Justin Downey.

"The referee for the match, Marius Jonker, consulted his assistant referees and issued both a yellow and white card for the incident," a SANZAR statement read.

"Upon further review of the match footage the citing commissioner deemed in his opinion the incident had met the red card threshold for foul play. The citing is to be considered in the first instance by SANZAR duty judicial officer Mike Heron."

Meanwhile, the Lions will tour Australia without Butch James after the former Springbok was banned for four weeks. The fly-half was suspended after being found guilty of a dangerous charge at a ruck in Friday's loss to the Brumbies.