Sharks star Francois Steyn is free to face the Western Force after being cleared of dangerous play stemming from his send-off in last weekend’s Super Rugby win over the Chiefs.

The South Africa centre was shown a first-half red card in Durban after Chiefs five-eighth Aaron Cruden was flung to the ground by three Sharks.

But a judicial committee cleared Steyn and ordered the cancellation of his red card.

The sending off followed lengthy discussions between Australian referee Angus Gardner one of his assistants – who favoured a red card – and the television match official, who wanted a yellow card.

Three players were ordered off during the first half of a match won 12-11 by the Sharks with the other two offenders pleading guilty and sentenced Sunday.

Sharks skipper Bismarck du Plessis was banned for four Super 15 matches and rival hooker Hikawera Elliot for one.

The Sharks host the Force on Saturday (Sunday AEDT).

Allegations of foul play by Chiefs skipper and flanker Liam Messam will be investigated on Tuesday.