Wigan Warriors prop Ben Flower is set to miss 13 matches after being handed a six-month ban for his attack on Lance Hohaia.Flower was sent off after just two minutes of Saturdays Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford, following a shocking incident that has partially overshadowed St Helens 14-6 triumph. The Welshman was struck in the face by Hohaia and responded by flooring the Saints player with a punch before then landing another blow as his rival lay dazed and defenceless on the ground. The 26-year-old, who together with Wigan has issued an unreserved apology for his actions, is now set to miss a large chunk of the 2015 campaign, with his suspension covering two pre-season fixtures, 10 Super League games and the World Club Series clash with Brisbane Broncos. Both Flower and Hohaia were charged by the Rugby Football League (RFL) on Monday, the former with a Grade F offence of violent and aggressive punching/punching an off-guard opponent and Hohaia with the Grade B indiscretion of striking with the forearm. While Hohaia was able to enter an early guilty plea, leading to a one-match suspension, Flower faced a disciplinary hearing on Tuesday knowing an advised minimum ban of eight matches was heading his way under RFL guidelines. A statement from the RFL noted Flowers remorse, while highlighting the fact his actions were malicious, intentional and had the potential for serious injury. It read: Wigan Warriors player Ben Flower has been suspended for six months by an independent disciplinary tribunal after being found guilty of violent and aggressive punching/punching an off-guard opponent in the second minute of the 2014 First Utility Super League Grand Final. Flower, who pleaded guilty to the Grade F offence on Lance Hohaia of St Helens, was also fined 300. At the tribunal the player acknowledged that his actions were unacceptable and expressed shame for the effect the incident had had on everybody concerned. The tribunal panel accepted that Flower had been provoked by an illegal challenge from his opponent but took the view that his actions were malicious, intentional and had the potential for serious injury. The panel also expressed the hope that the club would continue to support the player through what will be a difficult period. The suspension means Flower will miss 13 matches: 10 First Utility Super League fixtures, two pre-season games and the World Club Series match against Brisbane Broncos.
Posted on: Wed, 15 Oct 2014 10:30:03 +0000
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