Springbok prop Brian Mujati could face a lengthy suspension, anything from six months to a life ban, after he was cited for physical contact with a match official.

Mujati is one of two of Northampton Saints' South African players, the other is Juandre Kruger, who are to appear at independent disciplinary hearings as a result of citings from the Heineken Cup Round Two match against Perpignan at the weekend.

The citings lodged by the citing commissioner for the match, Murray Whyte (Ireland).

Perpignan won the match, at Stade Aime Giral last Friday, 29-13.

Mujati, the Saints replacement prop forward, was cited for an alleged push in the back of referee Nigel Owens (Wales) in contravention of Law 10.4 (l).

The independent Judicial Officer will be appointed as soon as practicable.

Law 10.4 (l) - Acts contrary to good sportsmanship.

Kruger, the Northampton Saints lock, was cited for alleged stamping on Perpignan player Nicolas Durand (No.9) in contravention of Law 10.4 (b).

The independent Judicial Officer will be appointed as soon as practicable.

Law 10.4 (b) Stamping - A player must not stamp on an opponent.

The Saints prop, Mujati, faces a six-month for the alleged push on the referee, Owens.

The Saints have not been reached for comment over the incident.

Mujati, a second-half replacement, joined Northampton in the off-season from the Stormers and has won 12 caps for South Africa.

Under International Rugby Board regulations he faces a minimum 24-week suspension if he is found guilty, with a life ban the maximum punishment available for the disciplinary committee that will consider the case at a date yet to be set.

Neil Back received a six-month ban for shoving referee Steve Lander in 1996, while retired Springbok fullback, Percy Montgomery, now South Africa's kicking coach, was banned for two years, 18 months of which was suspended, for pushing a touch judge to the ground while playing for Newport at Swansea in 2003.

Mujati scored one of Northampton's two tries in the defeat in France.