Disciplinary panel give verdict on Doueihi’s appeal after suspension for ‘foul and abusive language’

Lebanon star Adam Doueihi will miss the all-important clash against Ireland on Sunday after his Grade A charge for ‘Foul and/or abusive language to a Match Official’ was upheld on appeal.

The Wests Tigers playmaker was issued with a one-match ban for the incident that saw him receive a red card during Lebanon’s opening game defeat to New Zealand.

The send-off offence occured in the 60th minute of the match at the Halliwell Jones Stadium as Doueihi appeared to shout in the face of referee Grant Atkin.

Lebanon, who lost the game 34-12, appealed the decision with head coach Michael Cheika stating post-match that they were unable to be provided with audio evidence for what the send-off was for.

Although it is still unlear exactly what was said by Doueihi, the Rugby League World Cup disciplinary panel upheld the decision to issue the Tigers man with a one-game ban meaning he will miss this Sunday’s game against Ireland.

The Irish opened their World Cup campaign with a resounding win over Jamaica to put them in pole position for qualification, with the Cedars needing to win this Sunday’s game at Leigh Sports Village to keep qualification hopes alive.

Number one-ranked nation New Zealand are expected to top the group, with the winners of this Sunday’s clash in Warrington expected to face reigning champions Australia in the quarter-finals.

There is also the added incentive of all the quarter-finalists from this tournament receiving automatic qualification through to the next World Cup in France in 2025.