Chris Ashton: Phone picture that showed bite marks the crucial shred of evidence as Saracens winger is banned 13 weeks

CHRIS ASHTON was banned for biting thanks to a phone snap of his teeth on Alex Waller’s arm.

Details in the RFU’s report of Ashton’s trial reveal how a quick-thinking Northampton Saints medic took an on-field picture of Waller’s injury seconds after his player had been bitten.

Ashton was suspended for 13 weeks after the pictures came to light. The England wing, 29, now has until 5pm Friday to appeal.

Giving evidence via telephone Waller told the panel how he felt a bite on his arm in the 24th minute of Northampton's 27-12 defeat to Sarries and shouted to Ashton: “What the f*** are you doing?”

The pair then ran off as the game continued and a minute later Waller tackled Ashton and claimed he was bitten again - although this charge was thrown out.

Explaining the first gnash, furious Waller said to the referee Greg Garner: “Ashton's f****** bit me on my arm! It’s Ashton twice he bit me twice... It didn’t hurt too much but it’s out of order”.

Although Ashton claimed he shouted back: “Your arm hit me in the mouth.”

Ref Garner then said he saw two bitemarks on Waller's wrist and as the Saints physios came on to treat their player they asked if they could take a picture.

Head medic at Northampton Nathan Allwork said: “I ran to Alex Waller who had taken a knee. Alex said: 'I’ve been bitten on my arm.' There were obvious bite marks on Alex’s forearm/wrist.

"The referee appears to see what is happening, I explain to him that he had been bitten and the referee nodded his head. Our second physio, Matt Lee, arrived and began to strap and dress his forearm.