Provocation: Kockott

“Provocation is not a defence to foul play…” read part of Richard Whittam QC’s verdict on Chris Ashton on Thursday night when Ashton got a seven week ban for angrily lifting Rory Kockott’s leg and tipping him up after they emerged from a melee in which Sale claim Ashton was gouged.
But why is provocation not a defence for foul play, or at least mitigation? Since man started walking in the upright position it has always been the reason. It’s an automatic response – fight or flight –which is why you bristle...