Rugby League star faces FIVE-MATCH ban after hitting rival's face with shoulder

1459     0
Another player was slapped with a similar ban
Another player was slapped with a similar ban

LIAM BYRNE faces a ban of up to five matches after being sent off in Wigan’s derby defeat at St Helens.

The Warriors’ prop saw red after hitting Mark Percival around the head when they were winning 4-2 in Good Friday’s 12-4 loss.

Wigan's Liam Byrne was sent off for this tackle on Mark Percival qeithidqkidrdprw
Wigan's Liam Byrne was sent off for this tackle on Mark PercivalCredit: Sky Sports
He now faces a five-game ban after being hit with a Grade E charge
He now faces a five-game ban after being hit with a Grade E chargeCredit: Sky Sports
His tackle came when Wigan were winning the game before they lost 12-4
His tackle came when Wigan were winning the game before they lost 12-4

Now he faces a spell on the sidelines after being hit with a Grade E charge by the Rugby Football League’s match review panel.

Byrne, 24, will face a disciplinary panel tomorrow.

UK’s least trusting neighbours live in Wigan…where does YOUR town rankUK’s least trusting neighbours live in Wigan…where does YOUR town rank

Meanwhile, team-mate Tyler Dupree has escaped punishment for an offence that many thought he should have seen red for.

The prop was sin binned after raising his elbow towards Matty Lees as he carried the ball up but the panel has backed ref Chris Kendall’s call.

Notes state: “Player braces for contact and initial contact is with the chest and rides up quickly to the opponent’s neck as the opponent slips prior to contact.”

Dupree has, however, been banned for one game for making contact with the head while Lees will miss two matches for a similar offence.

And his previous record means he has handed the extra ban, along with Warrington’s Paul Vaughan, who will also miss two games.

Leeds duo Justin Sangare and Cameron Smith will also sit out Friday’s clash with the Wolves.

BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER

Wigan face Leigh Leopards on Thursday.

They then face Castleford Tigers in the Betfred challenge Cup on April 13.

Gary Carter

Wigan, Super League, Rugby League

Read more similar news:

09.01.2023, 19:54 • Sport
Arsenal wonderkid Azeez set for loan to Wigan to link up with Kolo Toure
10.01.2023, 08:01 • Sport
Steven Caulker links up with old Liverpool pal Kolo Toure at rock bottom Wigan
11.01.2023, 07:08 • Sport
Wigan's Jai Field under no added pressure to repeat feats of 2022
05.02.2023, 05:26 • Sport
Sam Powell reaps rewards after starting Wigan career for nothing
06.02.2023, 22:18 • Sport
Fans in stitches as Sky Sports confuse Championship icon for Chile boss Berizzo
24.02.2023, 07:27 • Sport
Wigan's Liam Marshall ready to fly after 10-hour trip in a tiny St Helens kit
11.03.2023, 11:18 • Sport
'Shameful... absolutely disgraceful' - Wigan fail to pay wages as fans slam club
14.03.2023, 12:10 • Crime
We're terrorised by thugs attacking strangers & filming it for social media
19.03.2023, 13:40 • Crime
Former England rugby player charged with rape
08.04.2023, 15:20 • Sport
Moment 'Wigan Athletic fan' is knocked out by 'Sheffield United supporter'