Bevan French’s ban controversial when compared to similar incident

Wigan Warriors will have been nervous going into today’s Match Review Panel and three of their players have suffered suspension.

The Warriors saw Kaide Ellis banned for one game for a high tackle and Harvie Hill for striking.

The biggest was Bevan French who was charged with contact with the official.

The Match Review Panel’s assessment reads:

Name: Bevan French
Club and Shirt Number: Wigan Warriors, 2
Match: Leigh Leopards v Wigan Warriors
Competition and Date: Betfred Super League, 22nd September 2023
Report Received From: MRP
Time: 01 11 21
Details of Allegation: Contact with Match Official
Decision: Charge
Details of Charge / Reason for NFA: Law 15.1 (i) Deliberate or reckless physical contact with a match official (e.g., placing hand on arm to attract attention)
Grade B
Penalty Notice: 1 Match Penalty Notice

When compared to Chris Satae who was not guilty for the same offence.

The panel stated: “Player’s actions are not confrontational. Player puts hand behind back of referee.”

Wigan will have been nervous over a number of their stars after potential high tackles from a number of their star men.

The same could be said of Warrington Wolves whilst Max Jowitt could have faced a similar offence.

Leigh may have had a few worries with Edwin Ipape after a tackle similar to the infamous John Asiata tackles whilst Tom Amone was placed on report for a crusher tackle.

There could have been bans for yellow card offences from Sam Tomkins, Amir Bourouh, Sam Lisone and Liam Watts.

Now the disciplinary verdicts have been confirmed.

Following the latest round of Betfred Super League, Women’s Super League, Championship and League One, the Match Review Panel have issued the following sanctions:

Luke Gale (Wakefield Trinity) – Grade A Dangerous Contact – £250 Fine
Hugo Salabio (Wakefield Trinity) – Grade A Dangerous Contact – £250 Fine
Luke Gale (Wakefield Trinity) – Grade B High Tackle – 1 Match Penalty Notice
Tom Amone (Leigh Leopards) – Grade B Dangerous Contact – £250 Fine
Tom Amone (Leigh Leopards) – Grade B Dangerous Contact – 1 Match Penalty Notice
Kaide Ellis (Wigan Warriors) – Grade B High Tackle – 1 Match Penalty Notice
Harvie Hill (Wigan Warriors) – Grade C Strikes – 1 Match Penalty Notice
Bevan French (Wigan Warriors) – Grade B Contact with Match Official – 1 Match Penalty Notice
Adam Milner (Huddersfield Giants) – Grade B Dangerous Contact – 1 Match Penalty Notice
Michael McIlorum (Catalans Dragons) – Grade A Dangerous Contact – £250 Fine
Jack Ormondroyd (Salford Red Devils) – Grade B Other Contrary Behaviour – £250 Fine
Sam Lisone (Leeds Rhinos) – Grade A Contact with Match Official – NFA
Chris Satae (Hull FC) – Grade A Other Contrary Behaviour – NFA
George Delaney (St Helens) – Grade C High Tackle – 1 Match Penalty Notice