Leigh Leopards star Kai O’Donnell was hit with a mammoth ban for his dangerous tackle against York RLFC last week.
He was red carded in the Challenge Cup quarter-final against York on Sunday as York threatened a major upset leading 14-6 at halftime against the 12 men Leigh Leopards who went down to 11 when Zak Hardaker was sin binned.
O’Donnell was sent off for a spear tackle which was Graded with a Grade F charge yesterday as the opponent landed on their head in what was called a “dangerous throw” by the panel.
Last week we saw Hugo Salabio of Wakefield Trinity banned for seven games for a similar tackle on Leeds Rhinos star Richie Myler.
O’Donnell gets six games despite the fact Kyle Amor described the tackle as the “worst” he’s seen whilst Ryan Brierley of Salford Red Devils was in agreement with Viaplay commentator Mark Wilson who said it was as bad as they get.
After the tribunal which saw O’Donnell given his six match ban, the RFL made the following statement:
“Kai O’Donnell Leigh Leopards has been suspended for six games after being found Guilty of a Grade F Dangerous Throw by an Independent Tribunal. O’Donnell pleaded Guilty but challenged the grading however the grading was found to be correct. O’Donnell will also be fined £1000.”
Interestingly, it has now been revealed in the RFL’s minutes of the case that O’Donnell was prepared to pay a larger fine to avoid a long term ban:
“The player would also be prepared to pay a larger fine by proportion as opposed to a larger suspension.”
