Ahead of their huge clash with Leeds Rhinos at the newly renamed AMT Headingley Stadium, St Helens have suffered a massive blow.
After his red card cost St Helens against Salford Red Devils providing the spark for the comeback that saw the Red Devils battle back from 20-6.
This is a major blow ahead of their game against the Leeds Rhinos on Friday night. And following this, the Saints have made a statement.
St Helens not set to appeal suspension
In light of the suspension to Mark Percival, St Helens once again issued a statement which seems to indicate that they will once again be accepting the charge as they did last week with Konrad Hurrell.
The statement is as follows: “Mark Percival has been issued a two-match penalty notice by the RFL’s Match Review Panel following last Friday night’s Betfred Super League match against Salford Red Devils.
“The Saints centre, who received a red card in the 43rd minute of the Round Four fixture at the Totally Wicked Stadium, was charged with a Grade D ‘Head Contact’ offence which has resulted in the two-match penalty notice and a £250 fine too.
“As a result of this, Percival will not be available for St Helens next two upcoming fixtures which will be this Friday night’s (15th March) away match at Leeds Rhinos, followed by the Sixth Round of the Challenge Cup the following weekend.”
The full Match Review Panel minutes for Round 4 of Betfred Super League can be viewed on The RFL’s website.
Harsh suspension
No matter what you think of the new rules, it is undoubted that this is a harsh suspension for a tackle that would in years past been praised by almost all. But this is the modern game and a case of protecting players and especially their heads which is important for insurance and in light of the law suit.
It is a shame to see one of the best players in the league and a serial winner with St Helens missing such a big game with St Helens taking on Leeds Rhinos this week and having a Challenge Cup clash the week after.
