Anglesea ban rocks Sharks
September 25, 2001

Sale are this morning considering whether to appeal against the 12-month ban handed out to Peter Anglesea after the forward was found guilty of eye gouging.

The massive 12-month suspension was dished out by a Rugby Football Union three-man disciplinary.

The suspension is one of the biggest ever handed out to a top-flight club player and, with eye gouging considered one of rugby's worst offences, it sends warning signals throughout English rugby that such behaviour will not be tolerated.

The Sharks have yet to formally respond but according to the club's website a statement will be issued today.

Anglesea was summoned to attend a hearing after being cited by Newcastle following a first-minute incident during a Premiership match between the two clubs two weeks ago.

The ban takes immediate effect, ruling back row forward Anglesea out of the rest of this season and the start of next. It is a massive blow to Sale, who are currently second in the Premiership following three victories from four starts.

Newcastle lodged their complaint after studying video evidence of the incident which involved Anglesea and young Falcons flanker Jon Dunbar. Dunbar left the field for treatment, but returned as Newcastle went on to lose 37-11.

Bolton-born Anglesea joined Sale in 1997 form Bedford, and is a previous member of the England A squad.

When Newcastle made their citing last week, Andrew said: "The match was certainly a physical one, but this incident was unacceptable behaviour, and we as a club, are not prepared to accept it."

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