Thursday 8 January 2015 22:30, UK
Delon Armitage will have to wait until Friday for the outcome of his appeal against a 12-week suspension.
The 31-year-old Toulon full-back has been banned for using abusive language during a tirade at Leicester supporters which followed a 25-21 Champions Cup defeat at Welford Road on 7 December.
A three-man appeal panel met in London on Thursday but have chosen to delay their verdict.
A European Professional Club Rugby statement read: "The hearing convened to consider the appeal by Delon Armitage has adjourned for the evening.
"The appeal committee heard submissions on behalf of Armitage and on behalf of the EPCR disciplinary officer. They will reconvene on Friday to determine their decision and issue it to all parties."
Armitage was charged for using foul and abusive language within earshot of spectators, including children, after European champions Toulon were beaten at Leicester.
However, although Armitage says he did swear at a fan as he searched for a venue which was hosting a post-match function, he claims he did not do so in a threatening manner.
A damning verdict released by the hearing which handed him the 12-week suspension read: “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."
"The player is without doubt an exceptionally talented individual, but he has an appalling disciplinary record, both on and off the field.”
Armitage was previously suspended for eight weeks in 2011 after a misconduct complaint for using threatening and/or abusive language towards an anti-doping official was upheld and he has also been suspended on three separate occasions for incidents of foul play on the pitch.
He has been capped 26 times by England but has not represented his country since 2011.
