“Here we go again” – Rival fans unhappy over second St Helens appeal

Ahead of last year’s Grand Final against Leeds Rhinos, St Helens’ disciplinary appeals caused a stir and as they battle with Wigan Warriors and Leigh Leopards for a spot in the top two and a home semi-final, that has again been the case.

After their defeat to Huddersfield Giants, the Saints lost Matty Lees to a two match ban for a high tackle exacerbating the recent loss of Alex Walmsley and Agnatius Paasi to season ending injuries.

St Helens chose to appeal the decision on Tuesday night but the suspension was upheld by the Operational Rules Tribunal.

St Helens have now confirmed that they will be appealing the decision:

They stated:

“Prop forward Matty Lees received a two-match penalty notice for a Grade C ‘High Tackle’ charge from the Match Review Panel, this decision was upheld by the Operational Rules Tribunal. However, the Club will be appealing the decision on Tuesday night, following the result of which the Saints’ 21st man in the squad shall be named.”

This means they have right now only named a 20 man squad for Friday’s game against Hull KR.

Naturally, the decision has caused quite a stir amongst fans. Even St Helens supporters were confused.

How does this work then? They have named the squad but haven’t named Lees. Can they add him if their appeal is successful? https://t.co/Tt8OT2Gnhq

— Liam (@liam_hefc) August 16, 2023

Meanwhile, rival fans said they feel like the Saints appeal everything.

It seems like Saints appeal everything. They don't think their players ever do anything wrong and should never be banned

— JeffS (@Jeswal_63) August 16, 2023

That being said, St Helens supporters feel it is the right decision.

Well it deserves to be it’s a joke he banned especially when the hudds players did far worse and got a caution

— Philip Casey (@philipcasey7) August 16, 2023

But this didn’t stop the ire of opposing supporters.

Here we go saints dont agree so appeal and appeal and appeal until they get there way……disaplinary cave in just watch

— Andy Green (@AndyGre53053996) August 16, 2023

How entitled do they think they are?

— leythdave (@leythdave) August 16, 2023

Of course, some fans saw the funny side of things.

https://twitter.com/UNITED__wtf/status/1691760522549485939?s=20

There is precedent for a second appeal as we saw with Morgan Knowles ahead of last year’s Grand Final.

St Helens would only appeal the decision if they felt they had grounds for it and last time made a very sensible chose with their second appeal.

They will have done the same again.

Last night the Saints released this statement:

“St Helens prop Matty Lees has been unsuccessful in his appeal against a two-match penalty notice for a Grade C ‘High Tackle’ charge in the Saints’ win over Huddersfield Giants last Sunday.
Lees pleaded ‘Not Guilty’ to the Operational Rules Tribunal on Tuesday night, but the independent tribunal upheld the Match Review Panel’s decision and he has also been fined £500.

“This means Lees will miss this Friday’s home clash with Hull KR, and next week’s visit to Castleford.”

The following players have accepted penalty notices imposed by the Match Review Panel.

Chris Hill (Huddersfield Giants) – High Tackle – Grade – N/A
Joe Greenwood (Huddersfield Giants) – Striking – Grade B – £250 fine
Oliver Russell (Huddersfield Giants) – Dangerous Contact – Grade B – £250 fine
Michael Knowles (Hunslet) – Dangerous Contact – Grade C – 1 match
Lewis Hall (Swinton Lions) – Dangerous Contact – Grade C – 1 match
Lewis Young (Keighley Cougars) – High Tackle – Grade C – 1 match
Kieran Taylor (North Wales Crusaders) – Dangerous Contact – Grade C – 1 match
Ellis Robson (Keighley Cougars) – Dangerous Contact – Grade B – £125 fine
Connor Carr (Oldham) – Dangerous Throw – Grade B – £40 fine
Joey Leilua (Featherstone Rovers) – Strike – Grade A – NFA