St Helens make statement on controversial suspension
Alex Walmsley of St Helens celebrates scoring a try with James Bell St Helens v London Broncos, Betfred Super League, Rugby League, Totally Wicked Stadium, Saint Helens, UK - 16 Feb 2024 PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxHUNxGRExMLTxCYPxROUxBULxUAExKSAxONLY Copyright: xPaulxGreenwood/Shutterstockx 14348845bd
After Round Six of the Betfred Challenge Cup, 10 players were charged by the Match Review Panel including one St Helens star.
Of the 10 players charged, five of them were from the Championship with players from Sheffield Eagles, Halifax Panthers and three from Featherstone Rovers all charged.
Rovers star McKenzie Yei faces a hefty ban for a Grade E Dangerous Throw charge. Meanwhile, five Super League stars were charged including two Castleford Tigers players but only one Super League player was banned and that was St Helens star James Bell.
He was charged with Grade B Dangerous Contact and the RFL Minutes state:
“Dangerous Contact – Defender uses any part of their body forcefully to twist, bend or otherwise apply pressure to the limb or limbs of an opposing player in a way that involves an unacceptable risk of injury to that player.”
This is a major blow for the Saints who will now miss Bell for their game against Super League Champions Wigan Warriors.
St Helens make statement on James Bell ban
Credit Imago Images
Following the release of the disciplinary charges, St Helens made a statement confirming the suspension of James Bell for one game which will be their Good Friday clash with rivals Wigan Warriors.
The statement reads: “St Helens’ James Bell has been issued a one-match penalty notice by the Rugby Football League’s Match Review Panel following last Friday night’s Betfred Challenge Cup Sixth Round match against Leeds Rhinos.
“The Saints forward was charged with a Grade B ‘Dangerous Contact’ offence, which has also resulted in a £250 fine too.
“Due to the suspension, Bell will not be available for selection for this Friday’s home fixture against Wigan Warriors (29th March).
“The full Match Review Panel minutes for the Sixth Round of the Betfred Challenge Cup can be viewed on The RFL’s website.”
This statement seems to suggest the Saints have accepted the ban and will not appeal. That being said, we have seen these statements before from other teams prior to a decision to appeal.
If they do appeal, they will be at tribunal alongside Leigh Leopards for the final appeal of John Asiata.