The first Challenge Cup Final without Leeds Rhinos, Wigan Warriors, Warrington Wolves or St Helens was certainly historic as Hull KR and Leigh Leopards battled it out for the trophy.
But one player made unwanted history in the shape of Elliot Minchella. The Hull KR loose forward became the first player in 22 years to receive a yellow card in a Challenge Cup Final.
Interestingly, he became only the third player to be sin binned in a major final this century. The last yellow card in a cup final came in 2001 and the only yellow card at Old Trafford went to Tommy Makinson in 2021.
He also became the first player yellow carded at the new Wembley.
The decision was hugely controversial but it has been backed up by the match review panel who charged him with the following:
“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
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