England coach Stuart Lancaster has admitted that Dylan Hartley's suspension for the British & Irish Lions tour of Australia is a "real shame".
The Northampton Saints hooker was given a 11-week ban on Sunday after he was found guilty of swearing at the referee during his side's defeat to Leicester Tigers in the Aviva Premiership final.
Hartley's ineligibility for Lions duty means that Ireland's Rory Best has taken his place in the squad.
"Players have got to be able to curb their feelings on the field and channel those emotions as well," Lancaster told Sky Sports News. "It's a collective thing because if you do something gives away points to the opposition it damages the team's chances of winning.
"However, Dylan has been very good with us when he's with the England squad. He has had a positive involvement in terms of his input and leadership. It is a real shame what has developed."
Lancaster was speaking after England's 40-12 victory over the Barbarians at Twickenham Stadium on Sunday.
Jack Prescott
