Match Review Panel says Elliot Minchella yellow card incident wasn’t “dangerous”

Former Leeds Rhinos star Elliot Minchella had a very up and down Challenge Cup Final for Hull KR against Leigh Leopards at Wembley.

In the first few minutes he gave up the first points of the game when he took exception to a John Asiata tackle and was penalised with Ben Reynolds nailing a penalty.

He then created the opening try carving through the middle of the Leigh defence teeing up Jez Litten.

However, he was then sin binned for a late hit on Reynolds after a kick. He became the first player since 2001 to be sin binned in a Challenge Cup Final.

It was a decision that caused a lot of debate and discussion but has been vindicated by the match review panel.

They handed Minchella a ban but curiously unlike most offences for a late hit he wasn’t charged for dangerous contact but “other contrary behaviour.”

Here is what they said:

“Law 15.1 (i)
Other Contrary Behaviour
Grade B.”

Jamie Peacock certainly had a strong opinion on the matter, saying:

“It is lazy from Minchella, but in the context of the game and the occasion I don’t think that can be a yellow card,” he said on BBC.

“I think when you look at some of the other things that have happened in the game, for the one yellow card for that it seems very harsh.

“It’s a penalty but I don’t think that was worthy of 10 in the bin on a day like this.”

It means Minchella will miss the clash against St Helens this weekend.

The Saints have also lost a player through suspension in the shape of Matty Lees who has been banned for two games for a “reckless” high tackle.

Following the Betfred Challenge Cup Final and latest Betfred Super League fixture, the Match Review Panel have issued the following sanctions:

Elliott Minchella (Hull KR) – Grade B Other Contrary Behaviour – 1 Match Penalty Notice
Chris Hill (Huddersfield Giants) – Grade A High Tackle – Not Applicable
Matty Lees (St Helens) – Grade C High Tackle – 2 Match Penalty Notice
Joe Greenwood (Huddersfield Giants) – Grade B Striking – £250 Fine
Olly Russell (Huddersfield Giants) – Grade B Dangerous Contact – £250 Fine
The following player was handed a caution:

Matty English (Huddersfield Giants) – Dangerous Contact