Friday 6 April 2018 12:01, UK
Sale winger Denny Solomona has been banned for four weeks after being found guilty of verbally abusing Worcester fly-half Jamie Shillcock.
Shillcock complained to referee Andrew Jackson that he had twice been the target of an alleged homophobic slur made by Solomona in Sale's 58-25 Aviva Premiership win over Worcester on March 24.
Solomona contested the charge of conduct prejudicial to the interests of the union or the game, but a Rugby Football Union disciplinary hearing found him guilty.
Panel chair Samantha Hillas said: "The panel found that the player used language that was verbally abusive on more than one occasion in quick succession.
"The comments were offensive and have no place on the rugby field. However, the panel accepted that they were said in the heat of the moment rather than premeditated.
"For these reasons, the panel deemed it was a low end entry point which carries a six-week suspension as a starting point.
"The player did not accept the charge but all other mitigating features were present. The panel therefore reduced the sanction to four weeks."
The England international, who won both of his caps as a replacement during last summer's tour to Argentina, is free to play again on May 8, following Sale's final game of the regular season.
Sale have decided not to appeal the suspension.
The club said in a statement: "Although disappointed, Denny Solomona and the club have accepted the four-week ban handed down to Denny for conduct prejudicial to the interests of the union or the game.
"Byron McGuigan will now move to No 14 for Friday's Aviva Premiership home match against Wasps with TJ Ioane coming onto the replacements bench."
