Why Catalans Dragons star Sam Tomkins escaped ban despite ‘other contrary behaviour’

With four games on Thursday night, there wouldn’t have been as many viewers as usual for Catalans Dragons’ clash at Toulouse Olympique last night.

However, that being said, those that did tune in will have been treated to a feisty French affair, but one incident stood out for some people that went unpunished.

Sky Sports viewers on Thursday night will have noted that Sam Tomkins has not been given a ban, despite being cited for ‘Other Contrary Behaviour’ and with those in the Sky Sports commentary box and studio believing he could have been in trouble for a shoulder charge on Toulouse’s Olly Ashall-Bott.

In fact, Tomkins was cited with the minutes stating: “Player obstructs opponent with body from chasing a kick through. Professional foul.”

However, Tomkins will be free to play against the Leeds Rhinos in the Bank Holiday Monday clash that will have repercussions for both the top six play-off race and the top four come the end of the season.

Meanwhile, following the latest round of Betfred Super League fixtures, the Match Review Panel have issued the other following sanctions:

Jez Litten (Hull KR) – Grade C Dangerous Throw – 2 Match Penalty Notice
Jimmy Keinhorst (Hull KR) – Grade B Trips – 1 Match Penalty Notice
Lee Gaskell (Wakefield Trinity) – Grade A Other Contrary Behaviour – 0 Match Penalty Notice
Lambert Belmas (Toulouse Olympique) – Grade A Other Contrary Behaviour – 0 Match Penalty Notice
Brad Fash (Hull FC) – Grade B Dangerous Contact – 2 Match Penalty Notice
Aidan Sezer (Leeds Rhinos) – Grade B High Tackle – 1 Match Penalty Notice
The following player was handed a caution:

Ligi Sao (Hull FC) – Other Contrary Behaviour

Those charges listed above mean that Litten and Fash will miss the rest of the season for Hull KR and Hull FC respectively whilst Aidan Sezer and Jimmy Keinhorst will miss games against Catalans and Wigan respectively.