Wednesday 20 January 2016 07:44, UK
Chris Ashton could be banned for England's Six Nations campaign after being cited for an incident in Saracens' game against Ulster.
The winger has been cited for allegedly making contact with the eye(s) and/or eye area of Ulster centre Luke Marshall during Saturday's European Champions Cup match, European Professional Club Rugby has announced.
Saracens won the game 33-17 to book their place in the quarter-finals of the competition.
The minimum period of suspension for such an offence is 12 weeks, which would rule out Ashton, should he be found guilty, for the entire Six Nations. The tournament runs from February 6 until March 19.
"EPCR has received a citing complaint against the Saracens wing, Chris Ashton (No 14), following the European Rugby Champions Cup Round 5 match against Ulster Rugby on Saturday, 16 January 2016," read a statement.
"Ashton is alleged to have made contact with the eye(s) and/or eye area of the Ulster centre, Luke Marshall (No 13), in the 16th minute of the match in contravention of Law 10.4 (m). The complaint was by the match Citing Commissioner, Yves Thieffine (France).
"Jean-Noel Couraud (France) has been appointed as the independent Judicial Officer for the disciplinary hearing which will take place in London on Wednesday 20 January 2016."
Ashton has been widely backed to make the starting line-up for new coach Eddie Jones' first game in charge, but his immediate playing prospects now rest on a disciplinary hearing which will take place on Wednesday.
