“Frivolous” – Rival fans furious that Matty Lees escaped further punishment after failed appeal

As St Helens battle with Wigan Warriors and Leigh Leopards for a place in the top two and a home semi final in the Super League play-offs, they suffered a significant blow going into their games against Hull KR and Castleford Tigers in the coming weeks following their clash with Huddersfield Giants.

The Saints have already lost Alex Walmsley and Agnatius Paasi to injury for the rest of the season so losing Matty Lees to a two game ban for a high tackle was a sizeable blow.

Therefore, it was no surprise that the Saints not only appealed the ban once but did so twice.

However, both of the club’s failed meaning the two match ban and a £500.

Following this rival fans weren’t happy that Lees didn’t have the ban extended for it being “frivolous.”

https://twitter.com/YorkshirePad/status/1691863061756342712?s=20

This was a common complaint from rival supporters.

Frivolous

— Josh Jackson (@joshjacksonlrfc) August 16, 2023

Other fans joked that the Saints should appeal again.

Appeal again.

— Yorkshire Saint (@YorkshireSaint1) August 16, 2023

But the calls for ban to be extended wouldn’t go away.

Should’ve had more games added

— Darren (@DarrenMoggie66) August 16, 2023

Frivolous

— Sean Wales (@swalesy1977) August 16, 2023

Should be 3 games

— Lee Harrison (@leeharrison2505) August 16, 2023

The Saints made the following statement last night:

“St Helens have been unsuccessful in appealing against the decision made by the Operational Rules Tribunal on Tuesday night that Matty Lees should be suspended for two matches and fined £500. The Club’s appeal was rejected, meaning that the punishment will stand.

“Lees was issued a Grade C ‘High Tackle’ charge following the Saints’ victory over Huddersfield Giants on Sunday afternoon by the Match Review Panel on Monday.

“On Tuesday night the Club appeared before the Operational Rules Tribunal to plead ‘Not Guilty’, but the independent tribunal upheld the Match Review Panel’s decision.

“The Club’s then lodged an appeal on Wednesday night which was based on the fact that we believe the Operational Rules Tribunal made an error of law in its decision or failed to act fairly in a procedural sense. This appeal was rejected, meaning Lees’ punishment stands and will rule Saints’ #10 out of the next two Betfred Super League matches; firstly against Hull KR at home and then Castleford Tigers away.

“St Helens R.F.C. stands by the decision to appeal but accepts the process is now over and we look forward to our upcoming match against Hull KR at the Totally Wicked Stadium on Friday night.

“Paul Wellens has initially named a 20-man squad for the Round 22 fixture, subject to the Club’s appeal, the Saints can now confirm that completing our squad declaration will be #34 – Wesley Bruines.”