Steve Diamond to face disciplinary hearing on Thursday

The Rugby Football Union has confirmed charges against Sale Sharks rugby director Steve Diamond following his recent comment on referee Craig Maxwell-Keys.

The 48-year-old slammed Maxwell-Keys' decision at the end of the Aviva Premiership game against Exeter Chiefs on 27th October which his side went on to lose 10-6.

"He made it up.When you get somebody who's weak-minded, those decisions tend to go to what is perceived to be the better team.

"There were 40 or 50 rucks that should have been penalised if that's a penalty.

"We found out in Europe the refereeing is abysmal, and we found out tonight [against Exeter] that if referees want to come up here and make it up, then they can do."

The hearing will take place in front of a three-man disciplinary panel headed by Ian Unsworth in Chester on Thursday.

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