Former Castleford Tigers star laughs at controversial suspension

Castleford Tigers player Liam Watts has been banned from participating in the next four matches due to his Grade E Head Contact charge in one of the many controversial disciplinary incidents so far.

The independent Operational Rules Tribunals have decided not to reduce his charge in the latest Super League disciplinary case. On Saturday’s Betfred Super League match against Wigan Warriors, Watts admitted to making contact with an opponent’s head. The tribunal upheld the original Match Review Panel grading. However, his teammate Charbel Tasipale’s head contact charge was reduced from C to B, and he is free to play this weekend. Both players have been fined, with Watts paying £750 and Tasipale paying £250.

In another hearing, Catalans Dragons players Michael McIlorum and Paul Seguier are also facing bans of four matches and one match, respectively. McIlorum was unable to challenge his Grade E Head Contact charge during Saturday’s Betfred Super League match against Warrington Wolves. Meanwhile, Seguier’s Grade D Head Contact charge was downgraded to C on appeal, and he was fined £250. McIlorum, on the other hand, was fined £750.

Former Castleford Tigers star laughs at ban

This came as Leigh Leopards star Tom Amone was handed a two match ban somewhat controversially for a tackle that seemed inconspicuous.

Leigh still have the opportunity to appeal the suspension next Tuesday due to the fact they have no game in Round Two with Wigan Warriors instead taking on Penrith Panthers in the World Club Challenge.

The Leopards’ next game is against Leeds Rhinos and a former Leeds star as well as former Castleford Tigers star Alex Sutcliffe has now laughed at the suspension of Amone.

He shared footage of the tackle on X with the caption “Two match ban” with two laughing emojis.

He is the latest in a long line of players who have slammed many of the disciplinary decisions this week as well as many others who have moved to be critical of them after Round One with plenty of cards, nine initial suspensions and then a further three bans added to that for a combined 11 games at tribunal on Tuesday.