Vickers: Cited for striking

James Hall, Tai Tu'ifua and Rob Vickers will all face RFU disciplinary chiefs in Durham on March 19.

Hall has been reported for kicking an opponent, Tu'ifua for a dangerous tackle and Vickers for striking an opponent.

The ill-tempered clash at Kingston Park finished 9-9.

Newcastle had two players - Vickers and Chris Pilgrim - sin-binned.

Quins rugby director Conor O'Shea was critical of Newcastle's approach at his post-match press conference.

"We had to scrap, and the atmosphere was febrile out there," O'Shea said.

"We wanted pace in the game and we couldn't get that. All credit to the Falcons in what was a very physical game, but on more than one occasion I think the line was crossed.

"The line is drawn at punches in the face, boots in the face and short-arm tackles, and yes, I think Newcastle overstepped that mark.

"When you get a stamp in the face, a punch in the face and short-arm tackles, that's overstepping the mark.

"It was tough and uncompromising, and I just hope Newcastle stick to not going over the edge."

But Falcons rugby director Gary Gold countered: "Was it my instructions to go over the top? Certainly not.

"I never would tell my players to do that. I don't condone any sort of dirty play, but I do ask my players to front-up.

"I'm not happy with the ill-discipline we showed at times. You cannot afford to play the game for 20 minutes with 14 men, and there is no excuse for players losing their discipline, and we will have to address that."

Newcastle are currently eight points adrift at the Premiership basement with just five league games left.