Watching the incident live I was furious with Flower and would quite gladly have seen him sacked. After seeing the incident replayed on TV, however, I have to say I can see why Flower retaliated. Hohaia clearly leads with the elbow into Flowers face with an attempted jaw breaker .... what did he expect in return from Flower a hand shake?

If Flower had gone to the floor (soccer style) clutching his jaw Hohaia would have to have walked. Flower did, however, what I'm sure most people would do he hit the glass jawed bed wetter with a quality punch - and that should carry the standard ban for punching. The ban for the first offence should not be increased because he landed a quality punch - I believe the precedent for this is one match as per Westwoods GF assault last year. I would, however, increase the ban substantially (8 matches?) for the second, disgraceful punch. Equally I would expect the RL to hold Hohaia to account with a significant ban (no please don't laugh ... I know this is the RL we are talking about here) for his attempted jaw breaker.

All round I hope lessons are learned - Flower to control his aggression and Lance to remember don't start what you can't finish !

I'm guessing they are Union fans? No doubt you can find several eye gauging incidents to counteract that.

That is the problem though I agree. As usual we get press now that something unsavoury has happened.

Personally I think the ban will be time specific as opposed to number of matches.

Here's my two penny worth:

1. LH tries to impede BF when he's chasing the kick (happens most weeks and sometimes penalised)
2. BF swings an arm and makes contact, probably with his bicep, enough to knock LH off balance (happens most weeks and is seldom penalised)
3. LH chases BF who is then involved with the play as he attempts to collect the ball. As LH gets there though, BF is no longer involved in the play but LH has fired himself up and jumps up with both arms into BF - Not sure it is leading with elbow but more like pushing with forearms. (happens and would normally result in a penalty to BF's team and likely put on report).
4. BF swings punch as LH is standing in front of him, facing him (happens and would usually result in red or penalty to LH team and on report. Not sure a yellow can be given for that foul play)
5. BF stands over barely conscious LH, holds his shirt collar and punches him in the face (not sure what punishment as not seen that before).

I'd imagine that if Flower hadn't have delivered the second punch, he would still have been sent off for the first one but that is open to debate. As the second one is so bad, it makes the first one look acceptable...the rough and tumble of the game. And for those who say you can't expect to make contact with someone and not expect something in return, then surely this can go someway to LH's reason for jumping up at Flower following on from the contact while turning to chase the kick?

Notwithstanding our personal opinions from watching the same thing, it was bad for all parties concerned and portrays our sport in a poor light. I do, however, wish Flower good luck over the next few months and hope he has the chance to get back on with what is a better than average career.

Can you summarise it for those outside the LW circulation area?

I think they'll do that purely because it will look like a more severe punishment.

Without working out the specifics, an 8 month ban will be the same as a 10-12 game ban.

Charged with Grade F. Suggest we close this and move to the other to stop duplication, thanks.