Falcons ace Green is hit with ‘biting’ accusation

NEWCASTLE lock Calum Green was at the centre of a biting storm following his side’s 22-17 win over Sale at St James’ Park. Sale were incensed when Green (below) appeared to bite hooker Rob Webber after he was held in a headlock at a ruck, which prompted the alleged assault. Webber showed his hand to referee Craig Maxwell-Keys but there was not enough video evidence for an on-field sanction. Sale boss Steve Diamond said: ‘We couldn’t see anything but there was clear evidence of a bite mark — allegedly. ‘I get a reputation for being old school but if Rob’s clearly gone to the referee and showed him the bite mark which is bleeding, and the referee has said there is no clear evidence, what more evidence do you need? Madness.’ Newcastle director of rugby Dean Richards added: ‘The allegation has been made and I will look closely at it. If there is anything in it, I will expect a citing and then we will deal with it in due course.’ RFU citing commissioner Andy Blyth has 24 hours after the final whistle to call a player to a disciplinary hearing. Newcastle’s third win in a row, thanks to a Toby Flood try and kicks from Tane Takulua, keeps them three points behind relegation rivals Worcester, who beat Bristol 27-25 with Welsh Grand Slammer Josh Adams scoring an acrobatic try. At the other end of the table Gloucester moved third by beating Wasps 27-14 with tries from Jake Polledri, Ruan Ackermann and Willi Heinz. Saracens won their derby match against Harlequins 27-20, with Will Skelton scoring twice ahead of the Heineken Champions Cup quarter-final at home to Glasgow on Saturday. ‘We’ve now got the momentum going into that big game,’ said Skelton.