Monday 13 October 2014 13:46, UK
Ben Flower will get an idea of the scale of the punishment awaiting him for his shameful attack on Lance Hohaia when the Rugby Football League sits down on Monday to study the incident that led to his dismissal in Saturday's Grand Final.
The RFL's match-review panel will determine the grading of any charge against the Wigan prop forward, which will provide a guideline for a disciplinary tribunal which is expected to sit on Tuesday to decide on the length of ban, which could be at least eight matches.
St Helens will wait until then before deciding whether to take any legal action themselves after being incensed over the double punch on their player in the opening stages of Saturday's Super League title decider at Old Trafford.
Saints chief executive Mike Rush opted to keep his counsel, initially to avoid detracting from the glory of his club's 14-6 triumph, but also to allow the normal disciplinary procedure to take place.
"It did look bad and there is no place for that," Rush said. "We'll wait for the league to take the appropriate steps before passing comment and we will then consider our position.
"When Lance was knocked out on the floor, to get another punch to the head was probably what the fans and the public didn't like seeing.
"Leading up to that, you know rugby is a combative sport and ferocious, but obviously once Lance has hit the deck, what went on afterwards was sad to see."
Wigan attempted to take some heat out of the situation by issuing a press release in which Flower, coach Shaun Wane and chairman Ian Lenagan all apologised for the incident which led to the 26-year-old Wales international making history by becoming the first player to be sent off in a Grand Final.
"I am so sorry for what happened," Flower said. "There is no defence for my actions.
I am so sorry for what happened. There is no defence for my actions.
"It was something that happened in the heat of the moment when our emotions and adrenaline was running high. I instantly regretted it and am devastated that I allowed myself to punch someone like this.
"At Wigan we are known for being aggressive but we are constantly told to do this within the rules of the game and that punching isn't tough. We may aim to dominate teams but we don't aim to hurt people.
"I firstly offer my apologies to Lance. I have full respect for him and have never gone onto a rugby field to injure a fellow player. I hope he is okay.
"I'd also like to say sorry to my team-mates, our fans and the Wigan club. I know I've let them down like never before and accept I'll have to live with this for the rest of my career.
"Finally, I'm sorry to the sport of rugby league. It was a big night and I know I've taken the attention away from what was a special event."
