Sale hits back at Solomona's ban
Solomona was banned for four weeks over a homophobic slur during a Premiership match between Sale Sharks and Worcester Warriors.
An RFU disciplinary hearing charged him "with conduct prejudicial to the interests of the union or the game, contrary to RFU Rule 5.12."
Solomona contested the charge but was found guilty by the three-person independent panel.
An initial six-week ban was reduced to a four-week suspension for "mitigating features,"
However, Sale Sharks believe that Solomona, whom the club describe as a decent and honest person, was not involved in any homophobic words exchanged during the Premiership match against Worcester Warriors on March 24th.
The club's statement explained that "The RFU disciplinary panel decided, on the balance of probability but with absolutely no other evidence, that Solomona had said those words based on Jamie Shillcock’s reaction only. They also did not believe that Shillcock had sought out Solomona after the game and apologised to him.
"Nonetheless, 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," the statement concluded.
It isn’t the first time that Solomona has landed himself in trouble, he was dismissed from an England training camp last August because of "team culture issues," after a night out drinking.
He did return to the England set-up during the Natwest 6 Nations, when he was called up ahead of the France game, but didn’t make an appearance.
The latest indiscretion may have an impact on selection for England’s tour to South Africa. They face the Springboks in a three-Test series, starting on June 9th in Johannesburg.
