SUMMARY
This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.
LONDON – Wigan forward Ben Flower faces a lengthy suspension after the Rugby Football League charged him on Monday, October 13 for attacking St Helens half-back Lance Hohaia during the Super League Grand Final.
Flower, 26, was sent off in the second minute of Saturday’s match at Old Trafford after sending Hohaia crashing to the ground with a punch and then striking him again in the face as the New Zealander lay prone on the turf.
The RFL has decided to charge Flower with a Grade F offense – its most serious charge – and he could now receive a suspension of more than eight matches.
“Ben Flower of Wigan Warriors has been charged with the Grade F offense of violent and aggressive punching/punching an off-guard opponent in the second minute of the match,” said a statement on the RFL website.
“Hohaia has been charged with the Grade B offense of striking Flower with the forearm in the second minute.”
Flower will appear before an independent disciplinary tribunal in Leeds on Tuesday.
His shocking assault overshadowed St Helens’ 14-6 victory and earned him widespread criticism in the British media.
The Wales international issued an apology on Sunday, saying in a statement released by Wigan: “I am so sorry for what happened on Saturday night. There is no defense for my actions.
“It was something that happened in the heat of the moment when our emotions and adrenaline were running high. I instantly regretted it and am devastated that I allowed myself to punch someone like this.”
The statement also contained apologies from Wigan coach Shaun Wane and chairman Ian Lenagan.
Hohaia, who could be banned for up to two matches, played down the incident, saying “people do some things they regret”, but Saints chief executive Mike Rush suggested his club could take legal action against Flower.
“We’ll wait for the league to take the appropriate steps before passing comment and we will then consider our position,” he said.
“When Lance was knocked out on the floor, to get another punch to the head was probably what the fans and the public didn’t like seeing.
“Leading up to that, you know rugby is a combative sport and ferocious, but obviously once Lance has hit the deck, what went on afterwards was sad to see.” – Rappler.com
Add a comment
How does this make you feel?
There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation.