A hearing into eye-gouging by Stade Francais pair Julien Dupuy and David Attoub, due to take place on Thursday, was adjourned until Friday because of "unforeseen travel delays".

The duo were cited for gouging the eyes of Ulster flanker Stephen Ferris during the Irish province's 23-13 European Cup win over the Paris-based club in Belfast last Saturday.

France international scrum-half Dupuy and prop Attoub have both since apologised for their actions and Stade announced on Tuesday their intention to take action against the duo regardless of the verdict handed down by tournament organisers European Rugby Cup.

The clubs are due to meet again this weekend in a return Pool Four fixture in Brussels.

Eye-gouging is regarded as one of the worst offences a player can commit and officials are set to come down hard on anyone found guilty of the offence.

If the citings are upheld, Dupuy and Attoub face a minimum ban of 12 weeks and a maximum suspension of three years.

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