I've watched the incident several times now and it's unquestionable to me that the incident was blown way out of proportion. It was a heated (literally) derby match and there was a bit of handbags between forwards. 3 red cards killed the game.


Gaz Hock pushes LMS head down. LMS gives him a bit of a slap, Hock gives him a bit of a slap back, they push their heads into each other and then lock up. Hock tries to throw a few - didn't see any connect. LMS to be fair wasn't looking to throw any back. Both players are pulled off each other. Sin Bin - 10 minutes - sorted.

In the background though Magennis comes in and Tuson pulls him off. They square up both with raised fists/holding each others shirts but initially no punches are thrown. Tuson and Magennis drop their fists and Tuson turns around, Magennis sees red and fires one at Tuson with his back turned (one of the most cowardly acts I've seen on a rugby field). Tuson then starts retaliating and they have a scrap - Lockers tries to pull Magennis off as the Saints lads pull Tuson away. Magennis starts firing at Lockers but doesn't really connect. Lee Mossop pops up from nowhere and unseen lands an absolute beauty on Magennis that knocks the lad straight to the floor. Only Francis Meli saw it. The officials and most of the players missed it. Cracker.

Magennis deserves a ban - no denying. Tuson for me was defending himself and a red card was sufficient IMO. Lee Mossop will probably get a one match ban for that punch.

Hock and LMS was handbags and not much else. Gaz tried to go swinging but didn't land anything and LMS didn't react. So a red card for Gaz was probably fair. I honestly think that should be the end of it. LMS doesn't deserve a ban and I think a red card was sufficient enough for Gaz. However his reputation will probably precede him and he'll likely pick up a suspension.

Magennis - suspension.
Mossop - suspension.

Nout for Tuson.
Nout for LMS.
Probably a suspension for Hock with his reputation. Although IMO a red card was sufficient.

The longer the ban, the better for saints anyway.
Waste of a shirt. Hes not the only one at the moment either.

It's not about reputation, it's about past disciplinary record. Which of course should be taken into account.

Anyone seen the picture in the Mirror where it appears that Magennis gouges Tuson?..maybe it's just the angle but it does look like he does.

Will his record go against him? He hasn't been banned for fighting before from memory. Just the ref, sticking his finger in harrisons eye and some bad high shots.

Whoever wrote the caption certainly thinks so...

rlhttp://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/rugby-league-magic-weekend-st-850613rl