The Operational Rules Tribunal met last night to hear the appeals of five Super League players and the decision to uphold the ban of Leeds Rhinos forward Sam Lisone has shocked fans.
Lisone was one of six players charged following Round Two of Super League with fellow Leeds Rhinos man James Donaldson also copping a ban.
Donaldson was served with a two-match ban for his swinging arm contacting the head of Oliver Gildart, an offence that saw the forward sent to the sin-bin just before half-time last week.
Lisone then saw yellow in the final 15 minutes of the game for a swinging arm contacting Hull KR’s Elliot Minchella, an incident that saw Rohan Smith suggesting the Rovers captain had dived.
Despite Smith’s opinion, the Match Review Panel decided that Lisone’s offence was worthy of a three-game ban, something that Leeds Rhinos unsuccessfully challenged last night.
A statement from the Operational Rules Tribunal read: “Sam Lisone of Leeds Rhinos was unsuccessful in his challenge against a Grade D head contact charge following last Thursday’s Round Two fixture at Hull KR. He must therefore serve a three-match suspension, with a £250 fine.”
That decision has sent fans of Leeds Rhinos into a spiral with many unable to believe that the punishment fits the crime.
“An absolute farce” – Leeds Rhinos fans consider turning off after unsuccessful appeal
Leeds Rhinos had confirmed news of the unsuccessful appeal on social media and fans were quick to respond or share the news with opinions of their own.
One of those labelled the decision a farce, stating: “I’m sorry, that is an absolute farce. I now expect every tackle like that be graded D with a 3 game ban. Same number of games as Pele at Hull? I fully support making it safer but I’m losing all interest now.”
I’m sorry – that is an absolute farce.
I now expect every tackle like that be graded D with a 3 game ban. Same number of games as Pele at Hull?? 😳🤯
I fully support making it safer but I’m losing all interest now.
Consistently inconsistent. https://t.co/hJDlIFrNVV
— Thomas Bell (@tombell1987) February 27, 2024
Another joked about the severity of the ban relative to the dangerous tip tackle committed by Harry Smith in Round One, the Wigan half escaping with just a fine meaning that he was eligible to play in the World Club Challenge.
Should of said he was called Harry smith and plays for Wigan.
— scott bates (@bates_scott88) February 27, 2024
Harry Smith was referenced again by a fan who believed that the decision was part of a conspiracy against the Rhinos.
They posted: “Surprise surprise. NOT! The RFL and the MRP are so biased,they don’t even try to hide it. If your name is Saints, Wigan or Leigh then you can do no wrong. Let’s face it, a stronger Leeds team doesn’t fit the narrative! Harry Smith 0 Games, Lisone 3. Make it make sense? I can’t!”
Surprise surprise. NOT! The RFL and the MRP are so biased,they don’t even try to hide it. If your name is Saints, Wigan or Leigh then you can do no wrong. Let’s face it, a stronger Leeds team doesn’t fit the narrative! Harry Smith 0 Games, Lisone 3. Make it make sense? I can’t!
— Daniel Roylance (@RoylanceDaniel) February 27, 2024
The failure rate of the club’s appeals was also referenced by multiple fans.
Mad how bad we are at appeals.
— Bradley Asquith (@BradAsquith7) February 27, 2024
The Rhinos will now be without Lisone for their next three matches against Catalans Dragons, Leigh Leopards and St Helens.
We win as many appeals as we do short kick offs.
— jon winter (@jonb4g) February 27, 2024
Super League Disciplinary News
Super League Disciplinary: Concerns after stars lash out in Challenge Cup
Huddersfield Giants
Huddersfield Giants: Challenge Cup hammering compounded by injury to star player
