Why Hull FC duo and Castleford Tigers star escaped bans despite the latter making ‘deliberate or reckless physical contact with a match official’

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

Liam Hood (Wakefield Trinity) – Grade D Shoulder Charge – Refer to Tribunal
John Bateman (Wigan Warriors) – Grade A Other Contrary Behaviour – 0 Match Penalty Notice
George King (Hull KR) – Grade A Dangerous Contact – 0 Match Penalty Notice
Michael McIlorum (Catalans Dragons) – Grade A Dangerous Contact – 1 Match Penalty Notice
Sam Hewitt (Huddersfield Giants) – Grade A High Tackle – 0 Match Penalty Notice
The following player was handed a caution:

Bureta Faraimo (Castleford Tigers) – Contact with Match Official

Readers will notice that despite being cautioned for contact with a match official, Castleford Tigers’ Bureta Faraimo has not been banned.

The Disciplinary Match Review Panel minutes state: “Law 15.1 (i) Deliberate or reckless physical contact with a match official.”

There were two instances during Hull FC’s loss to Wakefield Trinity, too, which may well have seen a Hull pairing get banned.

The first was Scott Taylor who was cited for off the ball contact: “Player puts body in front of opponent who looks like he is about to receive a pass. Accidental head contact.”

Another was Brad Fash after he hit Jacob Miller late after a kick which caused a bit of a ruckus. Fash was cited: “Player puts body in front of opponent who looks like he is about to receive a pass. Accidental head contact.” However, he wasn’t banned which does give head coach Brett Hodgson some good news following a disappointing few weeks and months.