This debate is running to ridiculous length when you look at the visible evidence.

When you throw a clenched fist in the direction of someone's face and it makes heavy contact, it's usually pretty clear what you're trying to do. Even a simpleton understands that.

I suppose if Raynor had actually been aiming for the ball, he might have an argument, but if you look at the replay (on Youtube if nowhere else), it's completely clear that Tomkins is reaching downward with the ball. It is very far from his jaw, which is where Raynor's clenched fist makes full-on contact.

It's the most blatant punch in the kisser I've seen in modern times, and Bradford's pathetic bleating is convincing no-one.

Even in Self-Pity Land (which is currently Bradford, but generally anywhere Mick Potter or Brian McClennan tend to be coaching), they will surely at some point find enough dignity to accept that Raynor was rightly red-carded and that if he isn't banned for a couple of matches it will be an injustice.

I'm quite baffled as to where this current Yaaarkshire thinking has come from, that if you immediately try to make yourself out to be the victim, no-one will notice that you're actually the aggressor.

just watched the incident again, cold light of day and all that. IMO there is no way he was going for the ball. It was an attack to the head. I was prepared to give him the benefit of the doubt yesterday, but on revisiting the incident it was clearly, imo, a deliberate attack to the head.

I awaited John Kear's 'he should be banned for twelve matches' comments, but they weren't uttered on this occasion.

It was as deliberate an attack to the head as Morley's was for GB at the JJB against the aussies in the first eight seconds.

Both rightly sent off by Ganson.

For everyone saying he was trying to punch the ball out, watch the incident again and look where the ball is to where Sams head is. Absolutely no where near. Cowardly act from Raynor. But i wouldnt be surprised if the RFL let hm get away with it.

cant grab a ball with a closed fist! no matter which way you look at it! and even if you could, you cant grab a ball out if your not even aiming for the ball, unless it was on the end of sams chin! i think he'll get at most a two match ban! but he deserves more! the way he landed could of broken his neck! if thats not dangerous i dont know what is!

Rubbish, that fist has "love" tattooed on it.

Are you sure it isn't the "hate" one?

Please avoid the stereotype if you would. Whilst there may be some rubbish coming from Dulls' fans this is the not representative from other parts of Yorkshire.

Has to get a ban for me, clenched fist to the head with a fair amount of force cannot be considered a legitimate attempt at a tackle, regardless of intent. If he really was going for the ball from that angle, you have to question his coordination that he managed to smack Tomkins in the side of the face. I don't know his intent so I don't know if it was intentional or not, but the result was a very bad challenge to the head that could easily have caused serious damage.

As a side point, imagine the outrage on here had Jeff Lima done that to an opposition player!

If he was going for the ball he's a rubbish shot.

Beat me to the screen shot Cronus, he's a metre from the ball, is he that bad at timing tackles/punches?

Chrisirvine Chris Irvine
Bradford's Gareth Raynor charged by RFL with Grade B high tackle on Tomkins in #challengecup tie - more a tickle really ... #rugbyleague

from twitter

seriously????

This may be a contadiction but I think he must have been going for the ball but he should get 3 matches. Otherwise, it would set a precedent.

Knocked me sick. Surprised at Raynor. Sam's been on twitter today. I think it was probably a mistimed really poor attempt at a tackle. A lot of Bradford fans should be holding their heads in shame.