Catalans’ Dave Taylor has been cleared of gouging Jonny Lomax.
The Dragons forward was charged by the RFL’s Match Review Panel for Grade E gouging last week after asking for additional evidence regarding an incident in Catalans’ defeat to St Helens earlier this month.
However, after pleading not guilty, Taylor was cleared of any wrongdoing and will be free to play for the rest of the decision.
The decision has been met angrily on social media, especially by St Helens fans. Matthew Swain tweeted: ‘what a joke just proves other teams can get away with anything’. Another tweeter described the verdict as ‘pathetic’.
@TheRFL @DragonsOfficiel @Saints1890 what a joke just proves other teams can get away with anything unless you play for @Saints1890 that is
— Matthew swain (@swain822) August 30, 2016
@TheRFL @DragonsOfficiel @Saints1890 Well if you wasn't a laughing stock before then you are now! Blatant eye gouge, pathetic decision!!
— peter (@lego1604) August 30, 2016
Earlier this month, Taylor pleaded guilty to drug charges going back to 2014. He will be sentenced in November upon his return to Australia after the Super League season has finished.
