Tuesday 10 April 2018 14:42, UK
Sale Sharks have defended Denny Solomona and criticised the Rugby Football Union after the England wing was banned for four weeks for using a homophobic slur.
A Rugby Football Union disciplinary hearing found the Sale wing guilty of conduct prejudicial to the interests of the union or the game after Worcester's Jamie Shillcock alleged he was the victim of a homophobic slur.
Sale will not contest the four-week suspension, but say they believe Solomona's version of events, insisting the Auckland-born player did not direct any form of homophobic abuse towards Worcester fly-half Shillcock.
"Sale Sharks are very disappointed following yesterday's full release of the RFU disciplinary judgement regarding Denny Solomona's four-week ban for conduct prejudicial to the interests of the union or the game," the club said in a statement.
"The club believes Denny. He is a decent and honest person and maintains that no homophobic words were exchanged during the Aviva Premiership match against Worcester Warriors on March 24.
"The RFU disciplinary panel decided, on the balance of probability but with absolutely no other evidence, that Denny had said those words based on Jamie Shillcock's reaction only. They also did not believe that Mr Shillcock had sought out Denny after the game and apologised to him.
"After serious consideration, Sale Sharks have come to the conclusion that there are significant risks as well as legal and financial hurdles in pursuing an appeal.
"As a consequence, Sale Sharks do not believe that it is in the interests of either Denny, the club or the game of rugby union to prolong this sad affair."
