“Stop tainting his excellent character” – Leigh Leopards send message after John Asiata tribunal

Leigh Leopards have released a scathing statement calling on people to stop “training the excellent character” of John Asiata after the Leopards’ skipper had his Grade A charge overturned at tribunal last night.

Asiata made headlines last year when his controversial tackle technique injured four St Helens players in a fiery Challenge Cup semi-final and that controversy boiled over once again in the team’s Round Three clash.

After just 41 seconds, Asiata found himself sent to the sin bin for a similar tackle in which he targetted Sione Mata’utia’s lower legs, before then limping off himself later in the first half.

For that offence Asiata was handed a Grade A charge that carried no ban, however, Leigh Leopards chose to contest that charge due to what Adrian Lam revealed as doing right by the player who the club felt was innocent.

Fast forward more than three weeks and the tribunal has finally heard Asiata’s case following multiple delays due to owner Derek Beaumont not being present in the country.

Leigh Leopards were pleased to announce that Asiata had his charge overturned, marking the ninth time this season that an appeal has been successful, and the club have now released a strongly-worded statement supporting their captain.

Leigh Leopards release powerful statement

Asiata is still recovering from the injury that he sustained in that game against St Helens and he is one of numerous injured players in Super League, but that didn’t stop Leigh from contesting the charge.

It seemed odd to some that Leigh Leopards would contest a charge that didn’t carry a ban but the club have now outlined clearly in their statement why they did so, releasing that statement earlier today via their club website.

Leigh’s statement read: “Last evening the Club was successful in their appeal against a Grade A charge issued by the RFL Disciplinary Panel regarding John Asiata arising from the recent Betfred Super League fixture at St Helens.

“The independent Operational Rules Tribunal found that John Asiata was not guilty, and the charge will therefore be removed from the player’s record.

“The Club was pleased that this appeals process was dealt with independently by a KC to deliver the ‘no case to answer’ outcome.

“The Club hopes that this outcome will ensure people stop tainting the excellent character of our player.

“The Club offered for the hearing to take place in a public forum so that Rugby League supporters in general could see the structured and professional way the sport independently deals with matters. Players and clubs are given a fair opportunity to present their case in the same way the Match Review Panel can present theirs.

“The panel was satisfied that John Asiata did not breach the laws of the game.

“John can now continue his recovery programme and we look forward to seeing him back leading our team as soon as possible.”

Asiata wasn’t the only case to be heard at tribunal last night as it was also confirmed that James Bell was unsuccessful in his appeal, meaning he will now miss the clash against Wigan on Good Friday.