Aviva Premiership
Chris Ashton avoids misconduct charge
ESPN Staff
May 19, 2014
Chris Ashton was named April's Player of the Month © Pinnacle
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Chris Ashton has been warned over his future conduct but will not face a misconduct charge following Saracens' win over Harlequins at the weekend.

Ashton was heard shouting "push it" at Harlequins fly-half Nick Evans as he lined up a conversion on the stroke of half-time in Saracens' Aviva Premiership semi-final against Harlequins on Saturday, an outburst that caused a melee as the players walked off the pitch.

Reports on Monday said the RFU was considering taking action against Ashton but it looks like he has avoided any potential suspension. A statement from the RFU read: "Respect is one of the core values of rugby union and the RFU head of discipline, Gerard McEvilly has this morning [Monday] spoken to Chris about the incident, his responsibilities towards the game and his future conduct. The RFU will follow up the matter in writing."

Post-match, Harlequins boss Conor O'Shea was asked about the incident and he said: "Humility is up on the walls here and around the stadium, and honesty.

"It wasn't part of what you would expect someone to do, but we leave it. They are worthy finalists, worthy winners. Move on."

In other news, Tigers' fly-half Owen Williams has been cited for "acts contrary to good sportsmanship/making contact with the eye(s) or eye area of Luther Burrell" during the feisty semi-final on Friday. He will face an RFU panel on Tuesday alongside Saints' prop Salesi Ma'afu who was sent-off in the same match.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd

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