The focus on Monday was on the Leeds Rhinos, Hull FC, Hull KR and Leigh Leopards stars who landed in hot water with the Match Review Panel especially the banned duo of Carlos Tuimavave and former Wigan Warriors star Michael McIlorum.
The hooker though appealed his ban last night and had it overturned at an Operational Rules Tribunal.
Also at the tribunal was an interesting case as Bradford Bulls went to tribunal for the second week in a row to appeal the mammoth ban given to former Wakefield Trinity winger Jorge Taufua after he was given a six match ban for biting.
This is despite the club and player being adamant that he is innocent.
The fans are also not happy with one calling it a “farce.”
Course it was gonna be unsuccessful the RFl ain’t gonna turn round and say, aye we think the ref made up he saw it too, which is the only shred of evidence against him. As no video evidence shows anything, no other players or officials saw anything. Just a farce of a situation.
— Nick Lockyer (@Padlock15) August 22, 2023
One fan simply said they were not surprised as they seemed defeated.
Can't say I'm suprised, but we gave it a go, amd he will be back for the play offs
— James (@Jamesd4242) August 22, 2023
One fan slammed the fact that there is no evidence in the case.
This is disgusting, no evidence to prove case, should have been thrown out 🤬
— GBentley1959 (@GBentley1959) August 22, 2023
Which was frequently brought up by Bulls fans.
Jesus! Wasn’t even any clear evidence either 🙄
— Robert james (@Robertkas88) August 22, 2023
The Bulls themselves don’t seem best pleased. CEO Jason Hirst said:
“We hereby announce that our appeal on behalf of Jorge Taufua, this evening has been unsuccessful, with the original 6 match ban upheld. The club are still digesting this & will make a further statement in the coming days.”
Referee Cameron Worsley submitted evidence explaining how the incident unfolded with the referee report stating as follows:
“In approximately the 33rd minute of the game, Bradford Bulls were in possession of the ball coming away from their goal line approximately 15m out. More specifically, Jorge Taufua (Bradford Bulls – Number 28) was in possession of the ball and carried the ball into several Barrow Raiders tacklers, one which was Jarrod Stack (Barrow Raiders – Number 12).
“As Taufua was being tackled, I saw the arm of Stack around the neck/lower face area of Taufua, I then saw from my angle a clear bite by Taufua to the arm/wrist area of Stack, this caused Stack to react instantly.
“I was in shock at first hence taking my time to process the decision, which is why I only called time off before blowing the penalty; this is common practice for serious foul play. I had concluded I was sending off Taufua as soon as I had seen it but had to control Stack and other players first of all.
“I then spoke to my touch judge, Simon Ellis, who didn’t see anything from his angle which was understandable as I had a clear view from my angle at the opposite side.
“It is also worth noting that I saw a clear bite mark on Stacks forearm/wrist area which consisted of just lower teeth marks, this made sense as I believe Taufua had a gum shield in.
“Taufua also said he did it because Stack put his arm across his face/mouth, he clearly visualised this action too whilst I was de-escalating the situation.”
