Chris Ashton is facing a lengthy ban after he was charged with tip tackling Castres scrum-half Rory Kockott in Sale’s pre-season friendly last week.
However, he will not face action for punching after new footage of the incident emerged.
The Sharks’ summer signing was shown a red card by referee Romain Poite when he reacted to a flare-up by throwing Kockott to the ground after the Frenchman attempted to wrestle the ball out of his grasp when a penalty was awarded.
“Ashton was shown a red card by referee Roman Poite in the 46th minute of the pre-season fixture between Castres Olympique and Sale Sharks on Friday 17 August 2018. This was for a tip tackle on Rory Kockott contrary to law 9.18 (A player must not lift an opponent off the ground and drop or drive that player so that their head and/or upper body make contact with the ground),” an RFU statement read.
Watch the incident below: