Steve Diamond to appear before disciplinary panel

Sale Sharks rugby director Steve Diamond has been summoned to appear in front of a Rugby Football Union (RFU) disciplinary panel on Wednesday.

The 48-year-old was charged with verbally abusing match officials following Sale Sharks' 13-10 victory over Harlequins in their Anglo Welsh encounter on 3rd February.

A statement released by RFU confirmed the news on Diamond.

"Steve Diamond of Sale Sharks will appear before an RFU Disciplinary panel charged with conduct prejudicial to the interests of the union and/or the game," read an RFU statement.

"Following the conclusion of the Anglo-Welsh Cup match between Harlequins and Sale on Friday, February 3, the Sale director of rugby is alleged to have verbally abused the match officials.

"Diamond will appear before an RFU Discipline panel chaired by Sam Hillas on Wednesday, February 22 at 6:30pm."