Wigan Warriors star handed lengthy ban
Wigan Warriors half-back Harry Smith has been at an RFL Operational Rules Tribunal tonight to learn his fate following his red card in Saturday’s Super League match against Leeds Rhinos.
Smith had hit with a Grade E charge of ‘Striking’ with the Match Review Panel’s Minutes describing his actions as ‘Use of forearm to the head by tackler’.
A Grade E charge has a sanctioning guideline of three to five matches, however, the RFL can work outside these guidelines based on a number of factors including a player’s former disciplinary record.
Referee Liam Moore showed Harry Smith the red card in the 77th minute of Wigan’s 30-4 loss to Leeds Rhinos with the England international swinging his arm towards the face of the prone James Bentley.
Working for Sky Sports, Sam Tomkins described it as an “ugly” incident and argued that Smith would likely miss Magic Weekend where Wigan Warriors take on St Helens.
Should Harry Smith be banned at the lower end of the Grade E guidelines then he will miss games against St Helens, Hull FC and Catalans.
The Operational Rules Tribunal have now ruled on his fate.
Wigan Warriors star banned for three matches
The verdict on Smith’s case is now in and the Wigan Warriors star will miss three games after being found guilty of the charge. The punishment is on the lower end of the sanctioning guidelines due to Smith’s disciplinary record and remorse.
A statement on the RFL website read: “Harry Smith of Wigan Warriors has been suspended for three matches, and fined £750, after being found guilty of a Grade E charge of striking in Saturday’s Betfred Super League fixture at Leeds Rhinos.
“The punishment, which means Smith will miss Saturday’s Magic Weekend fixture against St Helens, takes account of the player’s remorse, and his previous very good disciplinary record.”
As well as Smith’s ban, the Match Review Panel had already handed bans to St Helens Morgan Knowles and Leigh Leopards’ Josh Charnley.
A full list of the Round 21 bans and charges can be seen below.
– Josh Charnley (Leigh Leopards) – Grade B Contrary Behaviour – 1 Match Penalty Notice (Higher End)
Morgan Knowles (St Helens) – Grade C Head Contact – 2 Match Penalty Notice (Higher End)
– Nixon Putt (Castleford Tigers) – Grade B Dangerous Throw/Lift – £250 Fine
– Sauaso Sue (Hull KR) – Grade A Disputes Decision – £250 Fine
– Liam Farrell (Wigan Warriors) – Grade B Other Contrary Behaviour – £250 Fine
– Harry Smith (Wigan Warriors) – Grade E Striking – Refer to Tribunal – 3 Match Ban and £750 Fine
– Dean Parata (London Broncos) – Grade B Head Contact – £250 Fine
– Darnell McIntosh (Leigh Leopards) – Grade B Dangerous Throw/Lift – £250 Fine
– Robbie Mulhern (Leigh Leopards) – Grade B Other Contrary Behaviour – £250 Fine
– Owen Trout (Leigh Leopards) – Grade B Head Contact – £250 Fine
