Star forward faces mammoth ban for biting

The match review panel have released the charges for Wigan Warriors, Hull KR, Leigh Leopards and St Helens stars after the Betfred Challenge Cup semi-final clashes at Leeds Rhinos’ Headingley Stadium and the home of the Warrington Wolves – the Halliwell Jones Stadium.

After two feisty but all time great semi-final matches, there were plenty of talking points from both games.

These centred around the yellow card and the red card of course but there were other talking points such as John Asiata’s “incredibly dangerous” – in the words of Jon Wilkin – tackles which blew Agnatius Paasi’s knee “to smithereens” according to Paul Wellens.

Asiata has avoided punishment but Edwin Ipape hasn’t after he was banned for striking and will miss the game against Wigan.

Joe Shorrocks meanwhile has been banned for one match as well and will also miss that game.

He was banned for a “reckless” high tackle on Mikey Lewis which yielded a red card.

Interestingly, Sione Mata’utia’s ban was longer for his yellow card tackle on Ben Reynolds.

He will miss the next two games.

But the most interesting thing to come from the panel was the charging of Rob Butler for biting.

The former Warrington Wolves and Wakefield Trinity prop is plying his trade at London Broncos and featured for them against Halifax Panthers in the 1895 Cup semi-final which the Broncos lost.

Rob Butler has been charged with a Grade F for biting and will be referred to an operational rules tribunal tomorrow night to determine his guilt and the subsequent severity of his suspension if he is found to be guilty.

Following the Betfred Challenge Cup Semi Finals, the Match Review Panel have issued the following sanctions:

Sione Mata’utia (St Helens) – Grade C High Tackle – 2 Match Penalty Notice
Edwin Ipape (Leigh Leopards) – Grade B Strikes – 1 Match Penalty Notice
Joe Shorrocks (Wigan Warriors) – Grade C High Tackle – 1 Match Penalty Notice
Rob Butler* (London Broncos) – Grade F Biting – Refer to Tribunal
The following player has received a caution

Matt Parcell (Hull KR) – Dangerous Contact
*Player charged with further to additional informational provided after Thursday’s Match Review Panel meeting.