Newcastle Falcons lock Calum Green faces a ban of at least 12 weeks, after he was cited for allegedly biting Sale Sharks’ Rob Webber in Saturday’s English Premiership match.
The incident occurred in the 22nd minute at St James’ Park when Green was held in a headlock by Webber at a ruck, but referee Craig Maxwell-Keys ruled at the time that there was no clear evidence to show a red card.
The Rugby Football Union (RFU) said on Monday that 28-year-old Green will appear before an independent disciplinary panel on Wednesday.
If a player is found guilty of biting, RFU guidelines state that the starting point for a suspension is 12 weeks for a low-end offence.
Green has started all of Newcastle’s 17 Premiership matches this season, but could miss the last five games in their battle to avoid relegation.