Solomona banned for 4-weeks

Denny Solomona of Sale Sharks appeared at an RFU disciplinary hearing yesterday evening, charged with conduct prejudicial to the interests of the union or the game, contrary to RFU Rule 5.12.

 
In the Premiership match between Sale Sharks and Worcester Warriors on Saturday 24 March, Solomona allegedly verbally abused a Worcester Warriors player. The incident occurred in the second half of the match.

 
Solomona contested the charge but was found guilty by the three-person independent panel. He was given a four-week suspension and is free to play again on 8 May 2018, taking into account Sale Sharks’ upcoming fixtures.

Panel chair Samantha Hillas said: “The panel found that the player used language that was verbally abusive on more than one occasion in quick succession.
 
“The comments were offensive and have no place on the rugby field. However, the Panel accepted that they were said in the heat of the moment rather than premeditated.
 
“For these reasons, the panel deemed it was a low end entry point which carries a six week suspension as a starting point. The player did not accept the charge but all other mitigating features were present. The panel therefore reduced the sanction to four weeks.”

The panel comprised Samantha Hillas (chair) with Leon Lloyd and Tony Wheat.