5 November 2005
GUINNESS PREMIERSHIP leaders Sale Sharks announced an immediate suspension of French Prop Lionel Faure after he was red carded for punching in the game against Leeds Tykes.

Philippe Saint Andre said,  I have decided to ban him indefinitely and with immediate effect. The exact length of the ban I have imposed will be decided when I have reviewed the video. His actions may have been provoked beforehand but retaliation or violence of any kind is simply not acceptable in my team. I have told Lionel and he is distraught as this was only his second game in the Guinness Premiership and he was desperately keen to take the opportunity offered by the Autumn Internationals. That opportunity has now gone. Inexperience of the English game is not an excuse.

Faure himself said,  I was struck and I reacted, but I recognise that my behaviour is unacceptable. I would like to apologise to the player involved, and also to the club, my team mates and supporters who I have let down badly