Later tonight, Wigan prop Ben Flower will face the RFL’s disciplinary board and be given a ban for assaulting St Helens half-back Lance Hohaia in Saturday’s Grand Final.
If you haven’t seen the ruthless attack, Flower reacted badly to an off-the-ball scuffle with the New Zealander in the third minute of the encounter, punching him to the ground before striking him again while helpless and semi-conscious. He was sent off and Hohaia played no further part in the game.
Flower has been charged with a Grade F offence, which carries a minimum ban of eight matches, but no-one is quite sure what punishment the RFL will hand down. Everything from eight matches to a lifetime suspension has been suggested.
There is no questioning Flower is remorseful, and there is an argument he was provoked (though it seems he did make contact with Hohaia first). On the other hand, such an act of thuggery with the world’s eyes focused on Old Trafford could certainly harm Rugby League’s reputation.
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