Harlequins director of rugby John Kingston says Kyle Sinckler is not a “thug” after the prop was banned for seven weeks for eye-gouging.
Sinckler was found guilty of gouging Northampton lock Michael Paterson on Saturday.
Kingston defended the 24-year-old tight-head prop, who is set to miss England’s three autumn Tests, plus the club’s Premiership and European Champions Cup pool matches.
He told standard.co.uk:"I understand that people will have a different image of Kyle.
" I cannot change that unless people do their homework and see what he is really about.
"If they did, they would realise he is not some kind of thug who walks around doing what he wants. That is an extreme picture that some people could have.
"I accept that certain actions will draw attention to yourself but he is very remorseful about what happened.
"Now, it (that image) is there, it is not easy to move on with your game, but he will wake up this morning and realise he now has an opportunity to get incredibly fit when he comes back. He will be ready to show what a wonderful player he can be."
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