Chris Ashton and Alexandru Tarus to attend disciplinary hearing

by The TRU Team Tuesday 21 August 2018

Chris Ashton was handed a 13-week ban in September 2016 when he represented Saracens

©PA

Sale Sharks duo Chris Ashton and Alexandru Tarus are set to appear before an independent disciplinary panel on Thursday following their red card incidents during the pre-season friendly against Castres.

Ashton was sent-off by referee Roman Poite at the start of the second half for a tip tackle on Rory Kockott and was cited for a breach of Law 9.18 that deals with "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".

If proved guilty, the England international will face a minimum suspension of six weeks.

Meanwhile, his Sale Sharks' team-mate Tarus was red-carded in the 73rd minute for a dangerous play in ruck that is in contrary to Law 9.20.

Both Ashton and Taurus will appear before a three-member panel chaired by Richard Whittam QC on Thursday in London.

Sale Sharks will begin the 2018/19 season of Gallagher Premiership with a clash against Harlequins at Twickenham Stoop on 1st September.