Saracens coach defends Ashton foul-play (From Enfield Independent)

Saracens coach Paul Gustard defends Chris Ashton after a challenge that saw him given a post-match yellow card

11:53am Wednesday 31st October 2012 in Sport By Tom Allnutt

Saracens coach Paul Gustard defended Chris Ashton's challenge on Northampton's Vasily Artemyev which led to the England winger being shown a post-match yellow card.

The caution represented Ashton's third of the season, triggering a disciplinary hearing with an RFU panel which will take place this evening.

A ban could see Ashton banned for England's first match against Fiji at Twickenham on November 10.

But defence coach Gustard downplayed the incident with Artemyev after the match.

He said: "I think it was two guys moving pretty fast and it certainly looked to us that Chris was bringing his shoulder round but due to the force of the impact Artem got knocked into touch.

"I think the quite vociferous crowd on the near side probably influenced the touch judge a bit but without seeing the video clearly we can't comment too much."

Saracens beat Northampton Saints 16-6.