St Helens half-back Jonny Lomax has today learned his fate, with the Operational Rules Tribunal determining how many games he is banned for.
He was yesterday handed a Grade E Head Contact charge, with Grade E this year carrying a 3-5 game ban.
He was sent to the sin-bin for a high shot with head contact in Saints’ heavy defeat to Leigh Leopards at the weekend.
Meanwhile, as well as his Grade B Head Contact charge, Tariq Sims has been giving a Grade F ‘Lifting injured player’ charge, which is 6+ games suspended. He was also at the tribunal tonight.
Also given bans are St Helens’ Mark Percival, given a one-game ban for Grade B head Contact, Liam Horne of Castleford Tigers, given a two game ban for Grade C Head Contact (higher end), Ligi Sao of Hull FC for Grade C Head Contact (higher end) and Matty Storton of Hull KR, given a one-game ban for Grade C Other Contrary Behaviour.
St Helens halfback Jonny Lomax learns disciplinary fate with huge ban handed out
Credit: Imago Images
It’s bad news for Saints fans, as Lomax has been handed a three-game ban and fined £1,500.
This means they’ll miss their captain for games against Hull FC, Salford Red Devils and Wigan Warriors, with the last game being Magic Weekend.
The RFL statement confirming his ban read: “St Helens skipper Jonny Lomax, referred to tribunal on a charge of Grade E head contact with an opponent during St Helens Betfred Super League match at Leigh on Friday night, is banned for three matches. The tribunal found the grading to be correct and also issued a £1,500 fine.”
This only adds to their squad crisis, with a long injury list including Jack Welsby and George Delaney.
In addition, Mark Percival misses the next game due to his own ban.
These are trying times for St Helens, who have lost five games in a row for the first time in the Super League era.
Saints, their head coach Paul Wellens, and their spot in the playoffs are all under immense pressure at the moment – and Lomax’s ban only makes it that bit worse for the Red Vee.
Earlier tonight Tariq Sims was handed a four-game ban.
