“How does that work?” – Wigan Warriors fans question why Super League star dodged ban
With Wigan Warriors taking on Hull KR this week in the Super League semi-finals, the Cherry and Whites will look for revenge after losing to the Robins at the home of Leeds Rhinos in the Challenge Cup semi-final.
That day was overshadowed by a red card for Joe Shorrocks which caused widespread debate but even before this game Wigan fans aren’t impressed.
This is because after Bevan French was banned last week for contact with a match official, Hull KR star Matt Parcell has avoided the same punishment for the same offence.
One fan said: “Last week it was a ban this week it isn’t.”
More complains came with fans questioning the system: “Parcell not even mentioned for grabbing the red when French wrongly got a one game ban last week. How does that work?”
The questions kept being asked: “Why did French get banned and not Parcell?”
Whilst one fan simply complained: “Not even a caution for Parcell.”
Going into the panel there will have been a lot of focus on Alex Walmsley after his yellow card against Warrington Wolves.
He made contact with the head but was saved from a red card by the mitigating factor of Jordy Crowther’s body position.
Walmsley was charged for this but avoided a ban and instead was fined.
The Panel described it as a “reckless high tackle” and said he “tried to tackle but was reckless about the outcome.”
This was the right decision given the mitigating factors around Walmsley’s tackle.
With the panel often criticised, this decision should be praised.
Walmsley’s teammates were also in trouble after a number of high tackles which raises the nervous energy around the Champions.
As for Hull KR they could have been nervous about Matt Parcell’s interaction with Jack Smith as well as Mikey Lewis’ tackle on Gareth O’Brien.
With regards to the other two teams, they also faced bans but they would likely not matter. The most obvious incident to review was Joe Bullock’s yellow card for a high tackle which was again saved from red by a mitigating factor.
This is because initial contact was made with the chest of Morgan Knowles.
But the charges are now in and include a ban for Edwin Ipape for dangerous contact and one for George Williams for the shoulder charge.
There were also four fines including one for Alex Walmsley after his high tackle on Jordy Crowther.
This alongside Joe Bullock was the major talking point and he too was only fined.
Following the latest round of Betfred Super League fixtures, the Match Review Panel have issued the following sanctions:
Edwin Ipape (Leigh Leopards) – Grade B Dangerous Contact – 1 Match Penalty Notice
Edwin Ipape (Leigh Leopards) – Grade A Dangerous Contact – £250 Fine
George Williams (Warrington Wolves) – Grade B Shoulder Charge – 1 Match Penalty Notice
Alex Walmsley (St Helens) – Grade B High Tackle – £250 Fine
Joe Bullock (Warrington Wolves) – Grade B High Tackle – £250 Fine
Matt Nicholson (Warrington Wolves) – Grade B Dangerous Contact – £250 Fine
