SALE'S England flanker Alex Sanderson, who grew up in Rossendale, was yesterday found guilty of misconduct by the Rugby Football Union after spitting during Sale's Premiership defeat at Leicester last month.

But the RFU admitted that Sanderson hadn't aimed his spit at any player in particular and took into account the fact that he picked up a serious injury during the game.

Sanderson has avoided a ban but has been warned about his future conduct.