As St Helens chase Wigan Warriors and Leigh Leopards in the fight for a spot in the top two and a home semi-final in the play-offs they were hit with a blow when Matty Lees was suspended and set to miss the games against Hull KR and Castleford Tigers for an incident that occurred against Huddersfield Giants.
The Saints appealed the suspension last night but were unsuccessful in their appeal meaning Lees will miss the games against Hull KR and Castleford Tigers.
He was banned for a high tackle against Huddersfield which was at the start of the incident that saw Huddersfield Giants star Joe Greenwood sent off for leading with an elbow.
Lees was fined for the failed appeal.
Following the news, Saints fans weren’t happy.
One fan called for all Saints to pull out of the England squad as a response to the RFL.
https://twitter.com/pjwilson1990/status/1691515179824021504?s=20
Unsurprisingly, one fan highlighted the John Asiata saga but of course Asiata couldn’t be banned as the tackle wasn’t deemed illegal.
1 word ………. Asiata !!!!
— Heavy North Dancer (@GaPal1974) August 15, 2023
Another supporter said they were surprised it wasn’t extended for being “frivolous.”
The only surprise is they haven't extended it.
— Tallahassee (@guybrush2304) August 15, 2023
One fan meanwhile branded it “ridiculous” questioning how an incident where Huddersfield were penalised leads to a ban for a St Helens man.
Ridiculous. 2 match ban for winning a penalty, yet get a red card and play on next week mate…
Corrupt.❤️🤍🏉😡— Phil (DeepClean) Bell (@bell_deepclean) August 15, 2023
In light of the news about Owen Farrell having his red card over turned, one fan made this comment.
Appreciate it’s the wrong sport but get him to change his name to Owen Farrell
— Chris Marsden (@ChrisM18) August 15, 2023
Another fan simply said the were “done” with this season.
IM DONE WITH THIS SEASON
— Plankton ⚪️🔴⚪️ (@Apple09130616) August 15, 2023
St Helens themselves made the following 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
Huddersfield Giants
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