Sharks forward Jean Deysel has been handed a seven-week suspension following his red card against Crusaders in Super Rugby on Saturday.

Deysel was sent-off late in the first half at Kings Park for kneeing Matt Todd in the head during the 52-10 defeat for Sharks, an action that will see him sidelined up to and including May 23.

The 30-year-old was dismissed by referee Stuart Berry for the deliberate act of foul play at the breakdown, with SANZAR duty judicial officer Nicholas Davidson handing out his punishment on Tuesday.

"Video footage provided clear evidence that Jean Deysel was engaged at the breakdown when he jumped up then brought his right knee down on the side of Matt Todd's head while he lay on the ground," Davidson noted in his ruling.

"While Todd was fortunately not injured, the act carried real potential for injury and Todd was in a vulnerable position. 

"Deysel, to his credit, did not seek to minimise his actions. He said he was deeply ashamed and that his actions were against everything he stands for, despite his earlier breaches. He could only refer to his emotional and irrational response when frustrated at the breakdown, and he asked himself why he acted in such an extreme manner. 

"I took into account that the Sharks have a bye in Round 11, in effect making this a six-match sanction. Therefore, the player is suspended from all forms of rugby up to and including Saturday 23 May 2015."

Saturday's defeat saw Sharks slip out of the top six in the Super Rugby standings, the South African side replaced by Crusaders.