Disciplinary news: huge ban for ex-Leeds Rhinos man Sam Walters after Wigan Warriors prop's Wembley red card
Former Leeds Rhinos player Sam Walters has been handed a massive suspension following his sending off during Wigan Warriors’ Wembley win.
The prop-forward was shown a red card following a tackle on Hull KR’s Bill Leyland in the final moments of Wigan’s 40-10 Betfred Challenge Cup triumoh two days ago, becoming only the third rugby league player to be sent-off in a final at the national stadium.
The RFL’s match review panel today charged Walters with a grade F dangerous throw/lift and he was handed 35 penalty points. That took him to 39.5 points in the past 12 months and he received a seven-game suspension and a fine.
F is the most serious grade under the RFL’s current disciplinary system. No action was taken against Wigan’s Junior Nsemba, who was involved in the same incident. The Yorkshire Evening Post understands that was because both the match officials and review panel felt Walters instigated the dangerous tackle.
Wigan half-back Harry Smith was banned for one game for grade B head contact in a separate incident. The three penalty points took him to a total of 7.5. Hull KR’s Sam Luckley received one penalty point, taking him to 1.75, after being charged with grade A late ‘contact on passer’. He faces no further action.
All three players have until noon tomorrow (Tuesday) to challenge the review panel’s verdict. Any appeals would be heard later that day.