The Match Review Panel have met and handed out their charges after Round Two of Super League and there have been just three bans handed out, but two have gone to Leeds Rhinos players.
It’s a huge change from Round One after 16 players were banned compared to just six charges this week, and of those only three are bans which is a welcome change considering that three players went to tribunal for their offences last week.
One fan base who have been hit with plenty of charges are Hull FC with three players copping fines and Liam Sutcliffe landing a two-game ban for contact with a match official, however, Nu Brown has escaped without a ban after the RFL admitted an error in his red card.
Whilst fans are still dismayed about the Sutcliffe ban and the fact Brown’s red card may have cost them a win, getting their international hooker back is a big bonus.
The other fan base that have nothing to celebrate from the disciplinary results are Leeds Rhinos who have seen two forwards banned which has led to uproar among their fans.
“Set of absolute jokers” – Leeds Rhinos fans shocked at Sam Lisone three-match ban
Leeds Rhinos did see two players sin-binned in their defeat to Hull KR and it is those two men that have copped bans, James Donaldson landing a two-game ban whilst Sam Lisone will sit out three matches.
Rohan Smith had suggested that the Lisone yellow card was soft, even accusing Elliot Minchella of diving “like football”, but it is the prop forward who has been punished in a tougher manner.
As for Donaldson, some deemed him lucky to stay on the field with his swinging arm catching Oliver Gildart around the head and as such he has been banned for two games.
Leeds Rhinos confirmed the news via social media, much to the disgust of their fans, with the Rhinos explaining that Donaldson received a lighter ban on account of his disciplinary record.
Fans seem accepting of that charge but in regards to Lisone the Rhinos faithful are fuming.
In response to the RFL’s post, one asked: “3 games for Lisone. Are you lot taking the piss?”
3 games for Lisone are u lot taking the piss
— Marcelo (@Jaxson0411) February 26, 2024
Another couldn’t believe the ban: “No idea how you’ve deemed Lisone to be 3 and Donaldson 2 when Donaldsons as far worse and should’ve been a red on the pitch.”
No idea how you’ve deemed lisone to be 3 and Donaldson 2 when Donaldsons was far worse and should’ve been a red on the pitch.
— jon winter (@jonb4g) February 26, 2024
Some were more blunt in their disdain, one fan shared a screenshot of the Match Review Panel minutes that detailed the bans, simply captioning the post: “F**K the RFL.”
FUCK the RFL https://t.co/ckGquiFxEv pic.twitter.com/n42M8GwCKJ
— Josh biggs (@Joshbig87662103) February 26, 2024
Even rival fans couldn’t quite believe the ban for Lisone with multiple Hull KR fans responding to the Rhinos post on X.
“From a Hull Kr fan, Donaldson sounds about right, could and probably should have been red. Lisone 3 games is quite laughable, on par with some from round one, sin bin was about right,” reasoned one Robin.
From a Hull KR fan, Donaldson sounds about right, could and probably should have been red. Lisone 3 games is quite laughable, on par with some from round one, sin bin was about right.
— Mark Overton (@MOvertonHKR) February 26, 2024
Another also labelled the ban laughable, stating: “From a Hull KR fan, the Lisone ban is laughable. How on earth is that ever 3 games?? 1 at the absolute most. The disciplinary panel make it up as they go along.”
From a Hull KR fan, Donaldson sounds about right, could and probably should have been red. Lisone 3 games is quite laughable, on par with some from round one, sin bin was about right.
— Mark Overton (@MOvertonHKR) February 26, 2024
“Set of absolute jokers,” was the argument by another clearly upset fan.
Leeds could well appeal the Lisone decision, something that many fans have suggested given how harsh three games appears and the success rate of charges being downgraded in Round One.
RFL bunch of wet wipes, how how how does Lisone miss 3 matches?! Set of absolute jokers https://t.co/NUckqHGppf
— Ash🧡 (@Ash_Storey4) February 26, 2024
