Chris Ashton In Even Hotter Water As New Footage Emerges

Uh-oh.

Things have gone from bad to worse for Sale Sharks and England winger Chris Ashton after new footage emerged today regarding an altercation he had with Castres scrumhalf Rory Kockott in a pre-season friendly.

Ashton was red-carded on the day, and is now facing a longer ban than initially thought after referee Romain Poite confirmed that the sending off was for a tip tackle rather than a punch.

New footage released by the RFU appears to show Ashton rising to his feet after a breakdown penalty had been awarded to Castres. What was initially believed by many to be a punch, was in fact a tip-tackle challenge.

“Ashton 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.” An RFU statement read.

“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).”

If found guilty Ashton could be looking at a minimum sanction of six weeks as opposed to two for a punch. His poor disciplary record could see a ban increased even further.

Ashton’s hearing will take place in London on Thursday 23 August at 1.30pm.

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