Chris Ashton charged with 'act contrary to good sportsmanship'

Tuesday 6 December 2011

Chris Ashton has been charged with “an act contrary to good sportsmanship” after appearing to pull on Alesana Tuilagi’s hair in Northampton’s defeat to Leicester.

The act resulted in a touchline brawl and two red cards for Tuilagi and Tom Wood. All three players face hearings on Tuesday, December 6.

Ashton has a record of ill discipline against the Tuilagi family after Alesana’s brother, Manu Tuilagi, punched Ashton in the same fixture last season. Manu Tuilagi was banned for five weeks as a consequence of the punch.

Northampton’s Phil Dowson has also been summoned after being cited for a dangerous tackle on Alex Goode in Northampton’s game against Saracens.