Hull FC star avoids ban despite exact same offence as suspended Wigan Warriors forward

The Match Review Panel met today and players from Hull FC, Wigan Warriors, St Helens and Warrington Wolves landed in hot water from the weekend however many can thank their lucky stars that they avoided bans for their offences.

Of 11 charges, eight were fines and only three were bans.

Interestingly one player who wasn’t banned was Hull FC winger Darnell McIntosh after his dangerous contact caused flexion to the head and spinal column of an opponent:

“Dangerous Contact – A defending player makes contact with an opponent after the ball has
been released by an opponent in a vulnerable position which causes flexion to the head,
neck or spinal column on an attacking player, which poses an unacceptable risk of injury to
that player.”

He was charged with Grade B Dangerous Contact and fined £250.

However, some players weren’t so lucky with three bans handed out and here’s why.

Brad Fash was banned for other contrary behaviour for a late contact on the kicker.

Meanwhile, James Bell and Kaide Ellis were both banned due to dangerous contact.

Both were charged with the exact same offence as McIntosh but he wasn’t banned.

“Dangerous Contact – A defending player makes contact with an opponent after the ball has
been released by an opponent in a vulnerable position which causes flexion to the head,
neck or spinal column on an attacking player, which poses an unacceptable risk of injury to
that player.”

This is likely due to his previous record.

Wigan and Saints are gunning for the top two whilst Hull FC are chasing down rivals Hull KR and Salford Red Devils in the fifth and sixth spots.

Following the latest round of Betfred Super League fixtures, the Match Review Panel have issued the following sanctions:

Charges

Ben Garcia – Catalans Dragons – Dangerous Throw – B – £250 Fine
Matty English – Huddersfield Giants – High Tackle – B – £250 Fine
Olly Russell – Huddersfield Giants – Tripping – B – £250 Fine
Brad Fash – Hull FC – Other Contrary Behaviour – B – 1 Match Penalty Notice
Darnell McIntosh – Hull FC – Dangerous Contact – B – £250 Fine
Joe Cator – Hull FC – Tripping – B – £250 Fine
Sam Lisone – Leeds Rhinos – Tripping – B – £250 Fine
Matt Davis – Leigh Leopards – High Tackle – B – £250 Fine
James Bell – St Helens – Dangerous Contact – B- 1 Match Penalty Notice
Daryl Clark – Warrington Wolves – Tripping – B – £250 Fine
Kaide Ellis – Wigan Warriors – Dangerous Contact – B – 1 Match Penalty Notice
Cautions

Jack Brown – Hull FC – Other Contrary Behaviour – N/A – N/A