Edwards faces lengthy ban for inciting crowd

Catalans’ Kenny Edwards could be set for long suspension as he attends an independent RFL Tribunal this evening charged with crowd incitement.

Ugly scenes at the end of the Dragons clash with Warrington on Saturday saw fighting both on the field and in the stands.

Wolves’ captain Chris Hill was heard on the referee’s microphone accusing Edwards of provoking fans behind the posts.

While seven players were charged by the RFL’s Match Review Panel for their actions on the pitch, Edwards was cited for ‘Other Contrary Behaviour’ but wasn’t given a penalty notice.

This was due to the obscure nature of the charge, and there being no comparable evidence in which for the Panel to compare, it was deemed appropriate to issue a direct referral for consideration rather than issue a Penalty Notice.

The offence occurred on the pitch and therefore has been charged under the Onfield Sentencing Guidelines.

And in a statement today, the RFL have confirmed that Edwards will learn his fate this evening.

It states: “The Match Review Panel (MRP) has already considered allegations relating to the on-field actions of several players during the game and has formally charged Catalans Dragons’ Kenny Edwards for allegedly inciting the crowd during the off-field events.

“This matter will be considered by an independent RFL Tribunal at a hearing taking place this evening (Tuesday 6 August).”