Tuesday 14 October 2014 07:43, UK
Wigan’s Ben Flower has been charged with a Grade F offence after his dismissal for striking Lance Hohaia in the Super League Grand Final.
And Greater Manchester Police have confirmed that they will speak to officials at St Helens, the Rugby Football League and potentially the Crown Prosecution Service to decide what, if any action, will be taken.
The Wales international was sent off in the second minute after punching the St Helens player twice, once while he was on the floor, during his side’s 14-6 defeat at Old Trafford.
Flower has since issued an apology, but Rugby League's disciplinary chiefs handed out the most severe charge for "violent and aggressive punching on an off-guard opponent," which carries a possible ban of at least eight matches.
Hohaia, who was unable to play any further part in the final, has also been charged with a Grade B offence for striking Flower with the forearm in the build-up to the ugly incident.
The St Helens half-back has until 11am on Tuesday to submit an early guilty plea, but Flower does not have that option and will appear before an independent disciplinary tribunal in Leeds on Tuesday evening.
“I am so sorry for what happened last night - there is no defence for my actions," said Flower after his sending-off.
“It was something that happened in the heat of the moment when our emotions and adrenaline were running high. I instantly regretted it and I am devastated that I allowed myself to punch someone like that.
“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."
Sia Soliola and Tommy Makinson scored second-half tries as Saints fought back from a 6-2 half-time deficit to secure the silverware.
