Gouging as an offence carries an E-F punishment range, and makes no mention of whether it's deliberate or not (at least according to the operational rules).

Whether or not it's intentional his middle finger is [iapparently[/i extending to find the eye socket, which could land him in hot water! especially after his recent past.

If the injury is from this incident (and I didn't notice it at the time and couldn't say one way or the other) it would imply pressure was exerted on the eye, which would look very bad and further damn him. It means he would be facing a minimum of a dangerous contact charge imo.

In his defence, most players would of screamed and shouted about a gouge, especially if it led to a knock on (which this did I believe) so if no complaint was made then it works in Hardakers favour.

you have stated a trial judged him and found him guilty tomorrow it will be all over "Nothing will come of this crime because Leeds and Hetherington run SL. If it had been Hock etc?'yes we have heard it all before

Why would his recent past be an issue? That he got done for homophobic abuse mean he's on eggshells for a potential gouge (or anything physical)? It's hardly like Hock and a history of contact with referees.

What??? I have said no such thing.

If he did it then he should be hammered. But a still photo isn't enough. The RFL should be looking at the video.

really ?we are used to this kind of thing we know how it goes.

Judge me on the things I say and do.

The use of egp isn't limited to the offence of which you are being accused of, and mitigation doesn't either. The mere fact he's picked up a 5 game ban already this season counts against him, irrespective of what it was for.

I tried to give a reasoned judgement on the facts of the matter. Obviously this was the wrong place to do so.

I've played 20 odd years and had fingers in my eyes loads of times, it just happens sometimes, this type of trial by internet makes me sickened by the human race.

Bit dramatic that last bit.

Have you ever gone into a tackle with your middle finger extended like Hardaker did?

If he gets banned for that than I will never attend an RL game again in my life seriously.

I just LOL'd.