Saracens star Chris Ashton looks set to miss the Six Nations after he banned for ten weeks.
Ashton was cited for "allegedly making contact with the eye(s) and/or eye area" with Ulster star Luke Marshall. The independent Judicial Officer, Jean-Noel Couraud ruled the Ashton's actions should have resulted in a red card. He was banned for 12 weeks, with another week added as a deterrent, before having three weeks rescinded for previous good behaviour.
.@Saracens wing @ChrisAshton1 has been banned for 10 weeks following this incident against @UlsterRugby. https://t.co/e8fjAy8iWB
— BT Sport Rugby (@btsportrugby) January 20, 2016
The ban will come as a major blow to Ashton's international aspirations. The 28-year-old was named in England's Six Nations squad by Ediie Jones after previously missing out on last year's Rugby World Cup.
The rugby league convert has played 39-times for England. His last appearance came against New Zealand in 2014. He has not featured in a Six Nations game since England lost to Wales in March 2013.
Ashton can appeal the ban.
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