Really???



Look at the pictures man

Years ago I witnessed Alan Hunte elbow Martin Offiah from behind, off the ball deliberately - the popular side cheered (the video is on you tube) - Sonny Nickle was another with form for targeting players. I also witnessed Kelvin Skerret spark people out off the ball on numerous occasions. Paul Cullen was another. Back then people just got on with it and there was none of this witch hunting that goes on.



Flowers punch was a red card and will be dealt with by the RFL. To the credit of L.H he's accepted the apology and holds no grudges. IMO that should be the end of it.

Apparently the police, according to the BBC, are looking into the situation.



"Greater Manchester Police are looking into the punches thrown by Wigan's Wales prop Ben Flower in Saturday's Grand Final defeat by St Helens.

Flower was sent off after two minutes for knocking Lance Hohaia over before landing a second punch while the Saints man was on the ground.

Flower, 26, has since apologised.

The police added they had received no public complaint but they will continue to liaise with the relevant parties before deciding on a course of action.

They include the Rugby Football League, the Criminal Prosecution Service and St Helens.*

Only one friendly is allowed to be counted in in the ban.



You as a Leeds supporter should know that as DannY McGuire has used it in the past.



As for the Flower incident, read todays League Weekly Grand Final supplement (page 11) by Stuart Cummings. It makes very interesting reading.

Is it available online? ta

Are you a wigan fan?



Regards



King James

What difference does that make?

I'm guessing they are Union fans? No doubt you can find several eye gauging incidents to counteract that.



That is the problem though I agree. As usual we get press now that something unsavoury has happened.



Personally I think the ban will be time specific as opposed to number of matches.

Here's my two penny worth:



1. LH tries to impede BF when he's chasing the kick (happens most weeks and sometimes penalised)

2. BF swings an arm and makes contact, probably with his bicep, enough to knock LH off balance (happens most weeks and is seldom penalised)

3. LH chases BF who is then involved with the play as he attempts to collect the ball. As LH gets there though, BF is no longer involved in the play but LH has fired himself up and jumps up with both arms into BF - Not sure it is leading with elbow but more like pushing with forearms. (happens and would normally result in a penalty to BF's team and likely put on report).

4. BF swings punch as LH is standing in front of him, facing him (happens and would usually result in red or penalty to LH team and on report. Not sure a yellow can be given for that foul play)

5. BF stands over barely conscious LH, holds his shirt collar and punches him in the face (not sure what punishment as not seen that before).



I'd imagine that if Flower hadn't have delivered the second punch, he would still have been sent off for the first one but that is open to debate. As the second one is so bad, it makes the first one look acceptable...the rough and tumble of the game. And for those who say you can't expect to make contact with someone and not expect something in return, then surely this can go someway to LH's reason for jumping up at Flower following on from the contact while turning to chase the kick?



Notwithstanding our personal opinions from watching the same thing, it was bad for all parties concerned and portrays our sport in a poor light. I do, however, wish Flower good luck over the next few months and hope he has the chance to get back on with what is a better than average career.

Can you summarise it for those outside the LW circulation area?

I think they'll do that purely because it will look like a more severe punishment.



Without working out the specifics, an 8 month ban will be the same as a 10-12 game ban.

Charged with Grade F. Suggest we close this and move to the other to stop duplication, thanks.