Wednesday 31 December 2014 12:29, UK
Toulon full-back Delon Armitage has appealed against a 12-week ban for using abusive language towards Leicester Tigers fans after a European Rugby Champions Cup match on December 7.
Armitage, who has a chequered disciplinary history, is alleged to have used offensive language towards spectators at Welford Road during their Champions Cup loss to Leicester.
The appeal will be heard in London on January 8 by an independent appeal Committee.
Armitage has admitted swearing towards fans but described it as banter rather than a threat.
The disciplinary committee said Armitage's previous record was taken into account when they made their judgement on December 21.
"We considered the player's previous record and concluded that he is an habitual offender against the laws of the game, and one for whom there needs to be a deterrent to combat a clear pattern of offending, both on and off the field," read the judgement.
"The player is without doubt an exceptionally talented individual, but he has an appalling disciplinary record, both on and off the field."
As it stands, the 12-week ban means Armitage will be ineligible to play for Toulon until March 8.
Armitage’s team-mate Martin Castrogiovanni was ordered to pay £8,000 to a charity and handed a suspended four-match ban from the same match for expletive-laden comments he made towards Leicester director of rugby Richard Cockerill.
