Revealed: The disciplinary panel’s stance on potential Challenge Cup Final head butt

The first Challenge Cup Final without Leeds Rhinos, Wigan Warriors, Warrington Wolves and St Helens since 1986 made more history as Hull KR and Leigh Leopards battled it out.

When Elliot Minchella hit Ben Reynolds late, Minchella was shown the first yellow card in a Challenge Cup Final in 22 years.

The last yellow cards shown in the oldest final in our sport came back in 2001. This also meant that Minchella was shown the first yellow card at the new Wembley for his late hit on Reynolds.

Interestingly, Reynolds was later involved in more controversy as he too could have been sin binned.

There was a small scuffle before halftime and in this moment there was a suggestion of a head butt from Ben Reynolds. Had this been the case, Reynolds would have at least been shown a yellow card if not a red card.

However, this suggestion was dismissed by official Chris Kendall who described it as “rutting heads” rather than a head but from Ben Reynolds.

This opinion was seemingly taken by the Match Review Panel who didn’t even cite Reynolds for the incident.

This means, so long as he hasn’t partied too hard, Reynolds, should be available for the top of the table clash with Catalans Dragons on Saturday one week after the Challenge Cup Final win over Hull KR.

In fact, no Leigh player has been suspended from the match. The only ban, the only charge as a matter of fact, rising from the final was Elliot Minchella’s for the late hit on Reynolds.

He misses one game and therefore will miss this weekend’s match.

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