“Makes football look tough” – Warrington Wolves fans furious with Paul Vaughan charge

With Warrington Wolves bound up in a battle with Salford Red Devils for the final play off spot, they need to win against Huddersfield Giants on Friday so could very well need Paul Vaughan in their side.

However, he has been charged with unnecessary contact after their game with St Helens which has caused quite the out rage among fans.

One fan said: “With the game already on its knees, stuff like this is the last nails in the coffin.”

Another added: “Cannot believe that’s a 4 match ban. It’s the final 30 seconds and player is trying to milk the clock down.”

One supporter even said it was making football look tough: “This is why I stopped going after 45 years of following Warrington. Games gone soft. It’s making football look tough.”

However, many have rightly pointed out that this rule exists for a reason pointing out that Mose Masoe’s injury came from a normal looking tackle and if he had been picked up it would have been disastrous.

As a result of the charge, Vaughan is now facing a 4-6 week ban which would see him ruled out of this weeks match against Huddersfield Giants, as well as any potential playoff action.

In the minutes disclosed by the RFL, the panel stated Vaughan “makes unnecessary contact with a player who is or may be injured.”

The incident occurred following a tackle on Sione Mata’utia, in which Vaughan moves Mata’utia in order for play to be resumed.

Vaughan will go to a tribunal tomorrow evening (Tuesday 19th September) to discover his fate; however he could be ruled out for the remainder of Warrington’s season.

He joined the Wire this season from the Canterbury Bulldogs, and has gone on to make 27 appearances for the club.

Another Warrington forward was also charged by the Match Review Panel this week, in the form of Thomas Mikaele. The forward, who returned to the Halliwell Jones in August, was charged with a grade B high tackle and has been fined £250; however he remains eligible for selection this week against the Giants.

Connor Wrench also found himself on the wrong side of the Match Review Panel this week. The young back was charged with grade A dangerous contact, but he will also be available to play at the John Smith’s on Friday night.

Elsewhere, the match review panel cited a further six players this week on top of the Wire trio. These were:

Tommy Makinson (St Helens) – Grade B High Tackle – £250 Fine
Kaide Ellis (Wigan Warriors) – Grade A Dangerous Contact – £250 Fine
Jai Whitbread (Wakefield Trinity) – Grade C Dangerous Contact – 1 Match Penalty Notice
Kevin Proctor (Wakefield Trinity) – Grade C Dangerous Contact – 1 Match Penalty Notice
Kai O’Donnell (Leigh Leopards) – Grade B Dangerous Contact – £250 Fine
King Vuniyayawa (Salford Red Devils) – Grade C Other Contrary Behaviour – 2 Match Penalty Notice

The following player was handed a caution:

Romain Navarette (Catalans Dragons) – Raises knee in tackle – N/A