Disciplinary Review chief Paul Cullen tells all on Hull FC’s Luke Gale after five-match ban

When Hull FC’s Luke Gale was handed a five-match ban by the Disciplinary Match Review Panel, there was great publicity.

The fixture against St Helens, broadcast live on Channel 4, kicked off at 12.30pm and was met with a horrific weather deluge as both teams tried their best to play expansive rugby.

Unfortunately, Gale as Hull’s captain was sent off in the 32nd minute for high studs on Saints’ Jonny Lomax.

And, he given a five-match ban following an independent tribunal hearing.

Gale was referred to tribunal by the Match Review Panel for a Grade D ‘high studs’ offence committed during last Saturday’s Betfred Super League match against St Helens. He also contested the panel’s grading (C) of a related offence – the lifting of an injured player – and the imposition of a three-match penalty notice.

Prior to the hearing, and with Match Review Panel approval, all parties agreed that there would be a single sanction covering both charges. Following pleas of mitigation from Gale and the club, the tribunal decided to impose a five-match suspension.

And, now Disciplinary Match Review Panel chief Paul Cullen has revealed just why he was handed that length of suspension.

“It’s something we haven’t seen from Luke Gale or anybody,” Cullen said on The Sin Bin.

“If you lead with your feet, that is a highly reckless or intentional act and there’s a difference of opinion there.

“iI your studs are up and you put that foot towards the kicking leg of a player who has the right to kick then to lead with your studs is an intentional act.”