Wigan Warriors prop Ben Flower has revealed he felt that he was “hated by everybody” following his actions in the Super League Grand Final late last year.
Flower was dismissed after just two minutes of the Old Trafford showpiece after punching St Helens half-back Lance Hohaia. Wigan went on to lose that game against their bitter rivals 14-6, and Flower told Sky Sports News that it was difficult for himself and his family following that evening.
“Knowing how much I was hated by everybody, that was hard to take in, knowing you’re trending on Twitter as the most hated person at the time,” he said.
“It was a hard time, not just for me, but for my family. I can remember doing it, but not why I was doing it.
“I was devastated. It hit home what I’d done wrong. Letting my team-mates down, that was the hardest part.”
Flower confirmed that he would like to shake hands with Hohaia when he sees him, and thanked St Helens for their support throughout the incident. He is not allowed to play again until April 16 at the earliest, after copping a ten-game league ban from the RFL for the incident.
