The independent Operational Rules Tribunal has upheld a Grade B Dangerous Contact charge issued to James Bell of St Helens by the Match Review Panel following an incident in the Betfred Challenge Cup Sixth Round tie at Leeds.
St Helens’ challenge to the grading was unsuccessful, so Bell’s one-match suspension stands, with St Helens also losing their £500 bond.
Leigh Leopards were successful in their appeal against a Grade A charge issued to John Asiata after the Betfred Super League fixture against St Helens. Asiata was found not guilty, and the charge will therefore be removed from the player’s record.
The ORT also considered two Grade E charges from the first round of Betfred Championship fixtures on March 17, which were automatically referred because of their grading.
Nikau Williams of York Knights was found guilty of a Grade E charge of Head Contact in their defeat at Doncaster. He has been suspended for four matches, with a £375 fine.
Brad Walker of Barrow Raiders successfully challenged a Grade E charge of questioning the integrity of a match official during their defeat at Widnes Vikings. However the player was found guilty of disputing other decisions which carried a Grade B charge, and a £250 fine.
