Sale boss Steve Diamond gets suspended punishment

Steve Diamond
Diamond returned to Sale Sharks from Russia in January

Sale boss Steve Diamond has been given a 12-week suspended ban for his post-match comments and behaviour in his side's win over Northampton last month.

Diamond admitted a charge of pushing Saints' performance director Nick Johnston, and making inappropriate comments in a TV interview.

He was fined £5,000, of which £1,000 is payable immediately.

Sharks director of sport Diamond must also undergo a course of media training before the end of the season.

Both the 12-week suspension from the field of play and technical area and from communicating directly with match officials, and most of the fine, are suspended until 31 May 2013 - on the condition that there is no repetition of any such offences.