Director of rugby Mark McCall leapt to the defence of Chris Ashton as the Saracens winger waits to see if he faces further disciplinary action for a high tackle he committed against Harlequins.

The Sarries man was shown a yellow card late on at Allianz Park for a high swinging arm that struck the lower neck of Quins flanker Maurie Fa'asavalu.

Referee Greg Garner referred the incident to TMO and decided not to take any heavier action than sin-binning Ashton for the challenge.

"He actually tackled well today, he mistimed the challenge, there was no intent to cause any harm it was just one of those things," McCall said.

"I haven't looked at it properly - I thought Chris had a really, really top game today.

"He got himself involved and made a lot of carries and I'm disappointed for him that it ended like that because he had a top game.

Ashton has been out of form of late and was subjected to widespread criticism for his uninspiring performances for England during the Six Nations.

But the Sarries boss insists that Ashton, who has now received five yellow cards this season, played well against Quins and just needs to get his confidence back. 

"He's been brilliant all week for a guy who's taken some criticism over the last few weeks so it [the incident] is disappointing," McCall continued.

"I think everyone has to remember that two years ago everybody thought Chris Ashton was the best player in the world and individuals like Chris just need to have confidence that his coaches believe in him.

"We've left him be, we haven't given him too much information and told him to go out and enjoy himself against Harlequins which he did."

Ashton will discover by tomorrow [Tuesday] evening whether or not he will be cited and ordered to face a judicial hearing.