A wonderful photo of Jim Mallinders' reaction to Chris "sp" Ashton wanting to appeal his BAN...!!!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/16074582.stm

Jim Mallinder wrote:Whether four weeks is the right length of time for a ban remains to be seen.

It's not ideal. He didn't mean to do it. (referencing the pulling in to touch of Tuialagi by his hair) But he did grab his hair, without doubt.

Tuilagi is a big man. He needs to be stopped and he got away. Chris managed to stop him, probably not by legal means.

But I think for Chris to get four weeks is harsh. He's devastated. He just wants to play rugby and he's not going to be able to.

You don't want fighting, but it's a physical game and there's a real fine balance with the emotion and aggression, particularly Leicester against Northampton. Sometimes it can overflow a bit and it needs a referee who can calm things down. We see worse in training almost every week.

If Ashton got 4weeks for pulling his hair what will Tualghi get and Wood get for throwing punches.

Is a ban a bit harsh, wouldn't a big Fine be a better punishment for this type of affence.

maesteg,

You're completely and utterly obsessed with Ashton and England.

Hey Madge read the news mate

"Northampton wing Chris Ashton has been handed a four-week ban for "an act contrary to good sportsmanship", the Rugby Football Union has confirmed.

The incident took place in Saturday's Premiership defeat at Leicester as Ashton appeared to drag Alesana Tuilagi off the pitch by his hair.

A touchline brawl ensued and Tuilagi and Northampton flanker Tom Wood were both sent off by referee Wayne Barnes.

Ashton will be free to play again on 4 January.

He will miss Northampton's back-to-back Heineken Cup fixtures against Castres and two Premiership games over the festive period against Bath and Newcastle.

Wood and Tuilagi's red cards for striking were deemed sufficient, meaning they were handed no further punishment.

Northampton forward Phil Dowson will also be sidelined for the two weekends of European action. He was suspended for a dangerous tackle on Saracens full-back Alex Goode in the Premiership on 26 November."

Safeasmilk can you blame him? Ashton and England are pretty interesting topics with plenty of discussion!

The biggest culprits who got off scot free are Agulla and Murphy.

Bit rich of Mallinder to complain when Lawes and Wood could have got bans too!

Jim Mallinder wrote:
Tuilagi is a big man. He needs to be stopped and he got away. Chris managed to stop him, probably not by legal means.

Cracker!

Having heard a few of Mallinders interviews recently he really isnt the man to be the public face of the club. He doesnt half struggle to avoid talking complete bullocks.
This interview makes him sound like an acid casualty.

Part of me kind of hopes he gets the england job and makes Borthwick his capatin just so we can see some car crash post match ipress conferences.

The first thing the Mrs said to me when we saw that was:

"Do you fancy a cuppa or do you want a beer?"

The second thing was:

"I hope he gets cited for that. That was disgusting."

Spoiler:

On topic though, I can understand why Mallinder wants to appeal as it does set a precedence for any future hair pulling incidents but my personal point of view is that they should increase the ban by a week purely because it was such a bloody girlie thing to do and appealing does seem a tad whiney!