“The game is gone” – Warrington Wolves fans furious after Paul Vaughan ban

Warrington Wolves have lost star man Paul Vaughan to a four match ban for unnecessary contact on Sione Mata’utia last week.

This could end his season and also hurt Warrington’s chances of making the play offs.

The decision to ban him has divided opinion and many fans are furious.

One said: “Appeal it Wire, make sure you do. What an absurd decision.”

Meanwhile another said the sport is being “sanitised”: “Rugby League, the best sport in the world, is being sanitised beyond recognition. This is a nonsense.”

Meanwhile, another supporter said: “Shocking decision.”

Whilst another said: “Jesus the games gone!”

That being said, one fan blamed Vaughan for the incident: “How many Wire fans are annoyed with Vaughan for putting himself in this situation?

“The punishment may be ridiculously harsh, but every player knows you’re not allowed to do what he did no matter how obvious it is that the player isn’t injured.”

Warrington are not happy making the following statement:

“Paul Vaughan has been suspended for four matches following tonight’s independent tribunal hearing Vaughan, who was charged with a Grade E offence, pleaded not guilty The Club is extremely disappointed with tonight’s verdict and are exploring options with regards to an appeal.”

The RFL made the following statement:

“Warrington Wolves forward Paul Vaughan has been suspended for four matches following an independent tribunal hearing this evening.

“Vaughan, who was charged with a Grade E offence of making unnecessary contact with an opponent during last Friday’s Betfred Super League match against St Helens, pleaded not guilty. He is also fined £500.

“Earlier today the following players accepted Match Review Panel penalties.”

Following the latest round of fixtures, the following nine players have been charged.

Paul Vaughan (Warrington Wolves) – Grade E Unnecessary contact – Refer to Tribunal
Thomas Mikaele (Warrington Wolves) – Grade B High Tackle – £250 Fine
Connor Wrench (Warrington Wolves) – Grade A Dangerous Contact – Not Applicable
Tommy Makinson (St Helens) – Grade B High Tackle – £250 Fine
Kaide Ellis (Wigan Warriors) – Grade A Dangerous Contact – £250 Fine
Jai Whitbread (Wakefield Trinity) – Grade C Dangerous Contact – 1 Match Penalty Notice
Kevin Proctor (Wakefield Trinity) – Grade C Dangerous Contact – 1 Match Penalty Notice
Kai O’Donnell (Leigh Leopards) – Grade B Dangerous Contact – £250 Fine
King Vuniyayawa (Salford Red Devils) – Grade C Other Contrary Behaviour – 2 Match Penalty Notice

The following player was handed a caution

Romain Navarette (Catalans Dragons) – Raises knee in tackle – N/A

The action started on Friday where the big story was of course Wakefield Trinity’s relegation. As Wigan Warriors ran riot against Castleford Tigers at the DW Stadium with Abbas Miski scoring five tries to stake his claim for the top try scorer award, this gave Wakefield hope of survival.

They had to beat Leigh Leopards however. They found themselves behind but a brace of tries from Lee Kershaw and one for Liam Hood gave them hope.

They two sides exchanged penalties and then drop goals with the game going to golden point but Wakefield couldn’t find a winner and Gareth O’Brien, as he did to Hull KR in 2016, relegated Wakefield with a drop goal in a 20-19 win.

Elsewhere on Friday, St Helens kept their hopes of finishing top and securing a home semi-final alive by defeating Warrington Wolves 18-6 with Daryl Clark scoring for Warrington showing his future club what he can do.

The defeat left the Wolves’ play off spot in jeopardy. Two sides who have missed out on the play offs met on Saturday. This was of course Hull FC and Huddersfield Giants and the Black and Whites were embarrassed by the Giants losing 52-20 in their final home game of the season.

Then Leeds’ play off hopes were ended by Catalans Dragons who battered them 61-0 in Leeds’ worst ever defeat in Super League. This also sustained the Dragons pursuit of the League Leaders’ Shield.

In the final game of the weekend, Hull KR defeated Salford Red Devils 12-0. This meant Hull KR secured their spot in the play offs but left Salford’s up in the air.