YORK City Knights have suffered a huge blow to their League One Super 8s campaign after star full-back Ash Robson was banned for six games for spitting.

The club, however, are to contest the decision, saying Robson's "reputation and well-being are really important" and that, having seen the same evidence as the Rugby Football League disciplinary panel, they will "defend him as strenuously as possible".

The alleged incident happened in the 66th minute of the Knights' home League One defeat to Whitehaven on June 18. The disciplinary hearing was held last night. The appeal hearing is likely to take place next week, meaning Robson will still miss Sunday's trip to Keighley Cougars regardless.

If the ban is upheld, he will miss the rest of the Super 8s, being available again this year only if the Knights reach the play-offs.

Head coach James Ford said: "We're not going to comment on the incident or the details. We've seen the same footage as the disciplinary panel, and we're going to appeal it.

"Ashley's reputation and well-being is a really important matter to us and we will defend him as strenuously as we possibly can.

"I've spoken to the players around it and I've read the statements of the relevant people. We won't be making comments on those but we will be appealing the decision because it is the right thing to do. We were very surprised, to say the least, at the verdict.

"In terms of disciplinary and playing the game within the rules and conducting yourself like professional athletes - that's a really important thing to us at York.

"If I did not believe Ashley I would not play him again. I do believe him, I have seen the evidence and we will support him and appeal the decision."

Ford will have a few options to fill the void at full-back on Sunday.

James Haynes, used predominantly at centre this year, would be a natural replacement, having played the bulk of his career at full-back. Ben Dent could also come into the line-up.

Liam Harris, man of the match at stand-off in the stunning win over Toronto on Sunday, could take the number one berth, too, with Harry Tyson-Wilson going in at half-back.