A RUGBY Football Union disciplinary charge against Worcester Warriors flanker Phil Dowson has tonight been dismissed.

Dowson appeared before the panel in Coventry after allegedly striking an opponent with his elbow.

The experienced Warriors back-row was cited after allegedly catching Northampton Saints’ Ken Pisi, making contact with the wing’s head, contrary to law 10.4(a).

The incident happened in the first half of Warriors’ 24-14 Aviva Premiership defeat at Franklin’s Gardens last Saturday.

But, after a review of the incident, the disciplinary panel said the charge should be dismissed.

William Harbage QC (chairman), Matt Bayliss and Alex Nock formed the panel.

During the match, referee Craig Maxwell-Keys and his television match official watched several replays of the incident.

It didn’t look malicious at the time and the referee eventually awarded a penalty against Dowson.

Dowson is retiring from playing at the end of the season to take up an assistant coach’s role at Saints, where he is a huge fans favourite.

Saints’ public address announcer caused much amusement after suggesting the crowd didn’t know whether to boo or laugh about the incident.

It was Dowson’s 260th appearance in the Premiership and he is now just two short of George Chuter (262).

He is just five appearances adrift of all-time Premiership record-holder Steve Borthwick (265).

There are just six league matches left this season.

Dowson is available for selection for Warriors’ crucial relegation showdown against basement boys Bristol on Sunday (3pm).