Why Hull FC’s Luke Gale has been handed another ban

The Disciplinary Match Review Panel released its charges today following yesterday’s Easter Monday games.

Those sanctioned were:

Joe Westerman (Castleford) – Grade A Dangerous Contact – Crusher – 0 Match Penalty Notice
James Bentley (Leeds) – Grade B High Tackle – Reckless – 2 Match Penalty Notice
Kallum Watkins (Salford) – Grade A Late Hit on Passer – 0 Match Penalty Notice
Maxime Puech (Catalans) – Grade B Late Hit on Passer – 0 Match Penalty Notice
Curtis Sironen (St Helens) – Grade B Late Hit on Passer – 2 Match Penalty Notice
Luke Gale (Hull FC) – Grade B Trip – reactionary or reckless – 2 Match Penalty Notice
The following players were handed cautions:

Kelepi Tanganoa (Wakefield) – Late Hit on Passer
Alrix Da Costa (Catalans) – Late Hit on Passer
King Vuniyayawa (Salford) – Other Contrary Behaviour

Gale has already been banned for five matches in 2022 so far and will now sit out another two and the Match Review Panel has revealed why, stating: “Law 15.1(a) Trips – Reactionary or reckless tripping 14 Grade B.”

The ban means that Gale will sit out FCs fixtures against Catalans Dragons and Toulouse Olympique, though it is likely that Ben McNamara or Josh Reynolds will take his place.

Presumably, the MRP has also looked at the halfback’s previous form and gone on the proviso that Gale was handed that lengthy ban at the start of the season.