Chris Ashton says he is “incredibly disappointed” after an independent appeal committee decided not to allow an appeal against a 10-week suspension, putting him on the sidelines until late March.
European Professional Club Rugby announced the committee’s decision, dashing Ashton’s hopes of playing for England in the RBS Six Nations Championship this season.
Ashton was banned after being cited for making contact with an opponent’s eye during a European Champions Cup match between Saracens and Ulster last month. Ashton will be free to play again on March 28.
In a statement released by Saracens, Ashton said: “I am incredibly disappointed with today’s decision, but I now plan to look ahead to the rest of the season and work as hard as I can during my ban.
“I would like to thank Saracens and my legal team for all their hard work and support throughout this.
“I vehemently maintain that I have never made an attempt to intentionally make contact with the eye area of any other player.
“To miss out on the chance to represent my country and Saracens during this period is extremely disappointing, but the judgement stands and it is one that I will respect and accept.”
EPCR said: “An independent appeal committee has today (Thursday) announced its decision not to allow an appeal by the Saracens player, Chris Ashton, against the 10-week suspension imposed on him as a result of a citing complaint arising from his club’s European Rugby Champions Cup round five match against Ulster Rugby on Saturday, January 16.”
Saracens said on Thursday that they are disappointed with the decision not to allow the appeal to overturn Ashton’s suspension.
Ashton’s impressive club form had seemingly put him on track for a Test recall this term, with England opening their Six Nations campaign against Scotland at Murrayfield on Saturday.
The 28-year-old has not represented England since June 2014, having scored 19 tries in 39 Tests, and that wait will now continue.
Bakkies
Guest
He only had to tackle Marshall in to touch. Instead he targeted the head of a concussion prone player, Marshall also landed firmly on to the plastic pitch. The European judiciary has always handed out lengthy suspensions and it includes all comps.
wardad
Guest
I was working off the assumption that the recipient of Ashtons unwanted eye exam said he hadnt gouged him.If incorrect then he is indeed in need of harsh punishment.
CUW
Guest
why? imo it was rubbish. a guy who pushed the ref out of the defensive line got 14 weeks and a guy who ran his fingers across the eyes gets 10 weeks!!! he was tackling a stationary player ; why did he have his hand over the face??? had it been on the run i would have said accidental. also he was like the 2nd or 3rd guy to the tackle. there was no need for the full hand over the face. he got off light IMO>
wardad
Guest
Oh well it will give him time to practice flomping around swan-diving . Although his suspension may well be a wee bit harsh .