Chris Ashton cited for alleged gouge
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Saracens and England winger Chris Ashton could miss the 6 Nations after being cited for eye gouging.
The incident occurred in Saracens' win over Ulster, with Aston allegedly having contact with Ulster centre Luke Marshall's eye.
If found guilty of gouging, the former Northampton Saints winger will face a minimum 12 week ban.
A disciplinary hearing is set for Wednesday in London.
An EPCR statement was released this evening.
"EPCR has received a citing complaint against the Saracens wing, Chris Ashton (No 14), following the European Rugby Champions Cup Round 5 match against Ulster Rugby on Saturday, 16 January 2016.
"Ashton is alleged to have made contact with the eye(s) and/or eye area of the Ulster centre, Luke Marshall (No 13), in the 16th minute of the match in contravention of Law 10.4 (m).
"The complaint was by the match Citing Commissioner, Yves Thieffine (France).
"Jean-Noel Couraud (France) has been appointed as the independent Judicial Officer for the disciplinary hearing which will take place in London on Wednesday (20 January 2016).
"Law 10.4 (m) Contact with the eye(s) and/or eye area
Under World Rugby's Sanctions for Foul Play, Law 10.4 (m), Contact with the eye(s) and/or eye area carries the following sanction entry points - Low End: 12 weeks; Mid-Range: 18 weeks; Top End: 24 to 208 weeks."