Yes, it's not ideal. But it happened. Nearly 40 years ago, yes, but it did. However, the context was everything. We weren't shell-shocked because whilst the words and phrases used were that of a battlefield, we understood what it was all about. It's context. I'm not advocating that junior rugby be taught the way it was 40 years ago, I'm just saying that those of you who feel completely outraged by what they've heard Shaun Wane say in an edited documentary need to realise that not everything is supposed to be taken literally. It's not in Wane's nor Wigan's interest to have players sent off the pitch.

Just goes to show that the accusations fans have been leveling at Wigan are indeed correct... they HAVE been going out trying to injure the opposition in any way they see fit.

This running story about Wigan's tactics, if true, ought to be backed up by some statistics. Do Wigan get more Red and Yellow cards? Do teams statistically suffer more injuries against Wigan? I genuinely have no idea. If the answer is yes, you may have a point. Some 'anorak' (meant in the nicest possible way, I promise) might be able to dig these numbers out?

Just flashed up on SSN.

Greater Manchester Police to talk to RFL, St Helens Officals & Crown Prosecution Service if appropriate before deciding if any action to be taken against Wigan's Ben Flower

As a Saints fan I'd concur with Hohaia's viewpoint. It's over and done with, Flower will cop an 8 week ban and everyone should move on

No need for anything else to be done or said

Sanity!

It'll be more than 8 weeks in my opinion. Otherwise, the press will be on the RFL's case.

Would any ban include pre season games and The World Club Challenge series?. If Yes then Flower could be back by early April couldn't he?.

While doing my best not to join in the witch hunt it would annoy me a lot if we have pictures of Flower celebrating at say, Wembley next season. If Hock got 7 games for pushing an official then Flower has to be looking at a double figure ban.

I'm not sure they even track stats for number of players injured to be honest. You don't need statistical proof either when you've got clear evidence of both the action (Flower) and the intent (Wane team talk video).

That proves it then, congratulations Poirot.

I'm not sure on that. Hitting someone who is out cold on the floor and not defending himself is unforgiveable. It's not a normal run of the mill disciplinary incident like we debate on here during and after every Sky game. It's worse for the reasons we've been over again and again over the 60 pages.

The ban for Flower needs to set an example. Aggression is fine, a bit of biff is fine (Although they can't actively promote it for obvious reasons). Hitting an unconscious man is beyond the line IMO, it's too much. People mocked me on here when I said it could have killed him, but it's true. You get a medical professional on here and ask them if hitting an unconscious man whilst he's lay on the floor is a safe thing to do and he'd have a lot to say.

Very gracious from Leneghan on Sky tonight. He called it the right decision to give him an F and that it was an exceptional event. I'd agree with that, I've seen nothing like it in 30 years of watching the sport. He also said it wasn't the actions he wants to ever see from a Wigan player or a rugby league player.

I think the RFL should give him an exceptional ban to show the sport is dealing properly with the incident. 9 months/14 games something of that nature, not career ending but enough to show the world it's not being taken lightly and showing Flower and other players both amateur and professional that there is a line than should not be crossed. If anything that may aid Flower avoid potential Police action, which it seems is already happening. One thing pressure from the media does is force governing bodies to be seen to act appropriately and few could argue if Flower was charged over this. It's not a normal sporting incident and several sports would have already banned him for life by now.