The ban seems a little light to me, I would have gone for around fifteen.

Players can now receive five games for lifting an opponent since the McKinnon incident, Flower’s attack was brutal.

I’m not surprised that St’s have reprised their old alliance with Wigan, contrary to the supporter’s distain for each other, they go hand in glove. Wasn’t it St’s who backed Wigan during the point’s deduction debacle?

Not sure what will happen with the Police matter, maybe Flower will get a bit of community service, perhaps he could sew the player’s names on the St’s shirts properly.

Seems fair to me and hopefully that's the end of it

I'd like to think he'll get some good advice, be looked after and come back a better person as a result

Yeah 5 games is a massive ban when you can easily end someone's career.

And before anyone starts, I think the fact that Lance is ok somewhat mitigated the suspension. If he'd had a bad/lasting facial injury then it would've been a lot longer.

Well other than his traumatic brain injury of course. Who knows what lasting damage that will have.

I said 12 matches so it's in line with what I expected and in relation to other punishments so no real complaints. But Whether we have those right or not is another debate

That will do. Good to see the press releases from the clubs being handled so professionally. The ban is adequate and in line with what I would have handed out. Leaves him with no doubt as to what will happen if something similar happens in the future.

The bit from McManus about Wigan looking at how they do things is interesting. Seems to me like the inappropriate nature of Wane's team talk has hit home and he has been told to keep it within the boundaries of tough but fair in future.

Good all round.

Don't know if I am reading the quote you posted wrong but it could be a criticism of Wanes tactics. Stating that Lenegan will look at the cause of the incident and do what is necessary

It is exactly that. Leneghan will have already told McManus that he will sort it.

As you seem to be experienced in various combat/contact sports would you agree with me that it would be extremely unusual for somebody to strike another person ' in the heat of the moment' with their weaker arm ? . I would like to know if Lance is right or left-handed . From all the angles I have seen of the incident it looks like a two-handed push and that the left hand slipped from Ben's shoulder and the forearm slid against his chin rather than a direct strike .

Considering his previously clean record I think a 2.5 month 11 game ban is fair enough.

He probably feels pretty crap about it too and I'm not into making people scapegoats.

He's a 25 yr old little boy who made a big mistake at the end of the day.

Oddly enough though, the first, considerably less sinister looking punch, was far more likely to cause a brain injury. The brain typically gets injured bouncing around inside the skull cavity which would happen much more with the first punch and ground impact. The second punch was much more likely to damage the skull itself. All a bit yucky in any event.

"The suspension means Flower will miss 13 matches: 10 First Utility Super League fixtures, two pre-season games and the World Club Series match against Brisbane Broncos."

Superbly handled by all concerned. Hugely professional and supportive statements from Saints, similarly from Wigan. Swift and stern action from the RFL without paying the slightest bit of attention to the wailing muppets wanting his head, including those on here and in the press.

Fantastic to see the comments concerning his welfare moving forward. Something FlexWheeler in particular might like to reflect on.

Whilst I agree that the ban seems reasonable.

Lets not forget that for betting on a match Long got 3 months and Gleeson 4 months mid-season.

So before Wiganers pipe up about Flower being a scape goat, there are others who have missed more matches for not hurting anyone.

Other than being entirely wrong you are correct.

The brain is especially susceptible to damage from a second impact.

I'm going to take a 4 month break from SuperLeague in protest at the leniency shown.