Why Hull FC star was punished harsher than St Helens centre for same offence

Hull FC and St Helens stars Jack Ashworth and Mark Percival have both been banned for head contact by the Match Review Panel.

Mark Percival was red carded as St Helens took on Salford Red Devils on Friday night in a moment that turned the game.

Hull FC prop and Percival’s former teammate, Jack Ashworth was sin binned for a similar offence as Hull FC took on Catalans Dragons and Barrie McDermott said on commentary that he was “lucky” to avoid a red card and that would appear to be the case given he was shockingly given a longer ban than Percival.

Why Hull FC star was hit with a worse ban than St Helens

Hull FC star Jack Ashworth was given a three match ban for the tackle on former Hull FC star Chris Satae.

This was despite Mark Percival receiving a two game for a similar tackle after a similar tackle. So, why was punished more severely?

Well according to the RFL, the offence was at the “higher end of the charge” unlike the tackle from Mark Percival. Thus, Ashworth was hit with a harsher suspension.

He will now miss the game against Leigh Leopards this weekend and then the Challenge Cup clash which will be revealed tonight.

Harsh suspensions

At the end of the day both these bans to two top Super League stars and ironically teammates in the 2019 Super League Grand Final.

In times gone by, this kind of contact would have been viewed as completely accidental and not even yielded a penalty but this is no longer the case.

Jack Ashworth’s tackle was thunderous and full bloodied. It was the kind of challenge on a big man that would have been previously applauded.

Chris Satae was the victim and suffered a head injury which perhaps highlights the need for action but perhaps not a three match ban.

It is interesting and perhaps highlights the confusion of the new rules that Percival was given a red card and got two games whilst Hull FC star Jack Ashworth got three games for a yellow card.