CHRIS ASHTON’S APPEAL against his 10-week suspension for ‘gouging’ has been denied, ruling the England wing out of the Six Nations.
Ashton appeared before an appeal in London yesterday as he sought to have his ban for making contact with Luke Marshall’s eye area reduced.
The incident occurred during Saracens’ win against Ulster in the European Champions Cup last month.
Ashton was originally banned for 13 weeks but had that punishment reduced by three weeks on account of his good character and conduct at the hearing.
The decision to uphold the suspension leaves him free to play again from 28 March.
