Chris Ashton’s appeal against the 10-week suspension he recieved for making contact with the eye area of Ulster's Luke Marshall will be heard next Wednesday, 3 February.
The Saracens winger lodged an appeal against the ban today which will be heard by an independent Appeal Committee consisting of Lorne Crerar [Scotland], chairman, Rod McKenzie [Scotland] and Roger Morris [Wales].
Ashton tangled with Marshall during his side’s Champions Cup victory over Ulster on 16 January, pulling the Irish centre to the ground, and grabbing his face with his right hand.
Judicial officer Jean Noel Couraud viewed the tackle as a red card offence that exposed Marshall to the risk of serious injury, but the Ashton's team argued that the contact with the Ulsterman's face was accidental and unintended.
They argued the entry-level sanction for the offence of 12 weeks would be "wholly disproportionate" due to the player’s good record and the lack of injury inflicted, and are hoping that any suspension will be reduced by at least half.
