Sale Sharks executive director of sport Steve Diamond has been charged with two counts of abusing match officials.

The Rugby Football Union launched an investigation into Diamond following comments regarding referee Wayne Barnes and assistant referees Rhys Davies and Gareth Copsey.

The former fly-half appeared to question the professionalism and ability of the referee, who officiated Sharks' defeat to London Irish last Sunday.

Diamond is due to face a disciplinary hearing in Stafford next Tuesday.