Why Castleford Tigers’ Liam Watts has received ban but St Helens man escapes after yellow card

Following the latest round of Betfred Super League fixtures, the Match Review Panel have issued the following sanctions:

Kaide Ellis (Wigan) – Grade B High Tackle – 1 Match Penalty Notice
Liam Watts (Castleford) – Grade B Tripping – 2 Match Penalty Notice

The following player was handed a caution:

Liam Hood (Wakefield) – Other Contrary Behaviour

However, Liam Watts was initially cited by the referee for a high tackle on Hull KR’s Lachlan Coote, only for the Disciplinary Match Review Panel to cite the charge instead for tripping.

The minutes of the panel stated: “Law 15.1 (a) Tripping – Reckless or Reactionary Trip Grade B.”

It must also be taken into account that Watts has received a ban already this season which explains the higher grading and two-match penalty notice.

Meanwhile, Wigan Warriors’ Kaide Ellis has been given a one-match ban, with the Disciplinary Match Review Panel stating: “Law 15.1 (b) High Tackle – tried to tackle but reckless about outcome Grade B.”

St Helens’ James Bell was sent to the sinbin in Saints’ win over Hull FC on Friday night for a spear tackle, with many believing he would be subsequently banned.

However, despite the detail of allegation stating: “Dangerous Tackle – As Hull FC are attacking the St Helen’s #20 comes in to make a tackle and lifts the legs of an opponent and places him in a dangerous position,” Bell was not charged due to the Match Review Panel’s reasoning of: “Opponent is not lifted into a dangerous position.”