England bad-boy Danny Grewcock will miss the rest of the Lions tour after being banned for two months for biting New Zealand hooker Kevin Mealamu.

The 32-year-old, who was a 57th- minute replacement for Ben Kay in Saturday's 21-3 mauling by the All Blacks, was reported by independent citing commissioner Willem Venter, and after a lengthy hearing on Sunday was banned.

The Bath lock is no stranger to controversy, having been sent off for England against New Zealand in 1998. In 2003 he was twice dismissed for Bath, while 12 months ago he was banned for six weeks for reckless use of the boot during England's 36-12 defeat to New Zealand.

"I'm obviously very disappointed at the outcome of the hearing," said Grewcock. "I don't agree with the decision, because as I argued to the hearing, I did not bite the player at all.

"But now I have to accept the decision and that means for me the tour is over. I have decided, therefore, that I will return home as soon as I can.

"I think that is the best course of action for me and for the tour. I now hope that the rest of the Lions squad go on to win the next two Tests.

"I'm just sad that they will have to do it without me, and wish them all the very best for the remaining matches on the tour."

Sir Clive Woodward's British Lions lost their captain, their way and the first Test in Christchurch on Saturday. TCUP - Woodward's favourite buzzword, meaning Thinking Clearly Under Pressure - was smashed to pieces by an inspired and gleeful All Blacks.

Brian O'Driscoll's tour might be over - but the fear is this defeat has also ended the hopes of the fit players he leaves behind.

O'Driscoll dislocated his shoulder, following an off-the-ball incident involving All Blacks skipper Tana Umaga and hooker Keven Mealamu, while Richard Hill and Tom Shanklin also joined the crocked list.

The stats were always against the Lions - just one win in their last nine matches against the All Blacks and just one win in seven visits to Christchurch.

And while Woodward was still confident, it couldn't have started any worse.

After just 60 seconds, O'Driscoll was sandwiched in a double tackle by Umaga and Mealamu. His shell-shocked team-mates stood and watched as he was stretchered off the field and replaced by Will Greenwood.

It wasn't to be for the Lions, as All Black fly-half Daniel Carter kicked two penalties before lock Ali Williams touched down after a poor Lions line-out.

Sitiveni Sivivatu scored a stunning try after the break, while the Lions could only add a Jonny Wilkinson penalty.

Grewcock's suspension will come as a real blow to Woodward, who has now been forced to wave goodbye to four of his squad during the weekend.

Skipper O'Driscoll, flanker Richard Hill and utility back Tom Shanklin all suffered injuries and will be joining Grewcock on the plane home.

"I have not seen what Danny has done as I've been concentrating on the Brian O'Driscoll injury," said Woodward.

"Obviously they have banned him for two months, which means I have to say the decision was right. That's why the process is in place, and clearly he has done something wrong."