Ashton could miss England match (From Watford Observer)

Saracens winger Chris Ashton could miss England opener as he faces an RFU Disciplinary hearing today

11:33am Wednesday 31st October 2012 in Sport By Tom Allnutt

Chris Ashton could be banned for the start of England's autumn test series when he appears at an RFU Disciplinary Hearing today.

The Saracens winger has received three yellow cards for foul play this season, the last of which was given post-match for a dangerous tackle on Vasily Artemyev in last Saturday's match at Northampton Saints.

Earlier this season Ashton was shown yellow cards for dangerous charging in the games against London Irish and Exeter Chiefs.

If a ban is imposed Ashton could miss England's autumn series opener against Fiji on November 10.

Any suspension the RFU's disciplinary panel decide to impose would not apply to weeks when Ashton is inactive.

No Saracens players were released from the England squad for Premiership action this weekend.

The panel of His Honour Judge Jeff Blackett, Jeremy Summers and Peter Budge will consider Ashton's case at the London Bloomsbury Holiday Inn this evening at 7pm.