Ireland hooker Jerry Flannery was cited Monday for an alleged kick on France wing Alexis Palisson during last weekend's Six Nations international in Paris.
Flannery escaped on-field sanction from English referee Wayne Barnes, with Ireland conceding just a penalty in a crushing 33-10 defeat.
But he now faces the prospect of a lengthy suspenion that could rule him out of all of Ireland's remaing matches in the tournament.
Many observers thought Flannery was lucky to stay on the pitch after his 23rd minute kick at the legs of Palisson, who limped off with a dead leg soon afterwards.
Flannery's case is due to be heard later this week although a precise date has yet to be made public.
A statement issued by Six Nations officials said: "The citing lodged by the Independent Citing Commissioner for the match, Peter Brown (Scotland), is for an alleged kick on France's wing Alexis Palisson in contravention of Law 10.4 (c)." France's dominant display ended defending champions Ireland's hopes of back-to-back grand slams.
By contrast, France's second straight win of the tournament kept them on course for a clean sweep.
France continue their Six Nations campaign away to Wales on February 26 while Ireland travel to Twickenham to play England on February 27.
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