Chris Ashton banned for 7 weeks for tip tackle

Chris Ashton appeared before an independent disciplinary panel today after he was shown a red card by referee Roman Poite in the 46th minute of the pre-season fixture between Castres Olympique and Sale Sharks on Friday 17 August 2018.

This was for a tip tackle on Rory Kockott contrary to law 9.18 (A player must not lift an opponent off the ground and drop or drive that player so that their head and/or upper body make contact with the ground).

Ashton did not accept the charge but the independent panel found him guilty. Ashton was given a seven-week suspension. He is free to play again on Tuesday 9 October 2018.

Also today, Alexandru Tarus of Sale Sharks appeared before an independent disciplinary panel.  He was shown a red card by referee Roman Poite in the 73rd minute of the same match. This was for dangerous play in a ruck contrary to law 9.20.

Tarus denied the charge. The panel comprising Richard Whittam QC, (chair), with Becky Essex and Mitchell Read decided that while there was an act of foul play it did not meet the red card threshold and so the red card should be removed from the player's record with a yellow card instated instead. Tarus is therefore free to play again immediately.