“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.