Declan Patton handed lengthy ban while Daniel Smith suspension extended

Warrington’s Declan Patton has been banned for five games while Huddersfield’s Daniel Smith has had his suspension lengthened.

The following cases were heard last night by an independent operational rules tribunal, consisting of HH Rodney Grant, John Hamer and Graeme Hallas.

Wolves ace Patton was found guilty of a Grade D high tackle charge on Hull FC’s Bureta Faraimo last Friday.

Patton contested the grading level but the tribunal were satisfied that it was the correct grading level.

The half-back has two previous incidents of disciplinary on his record, including striking, and within the guidelines set out, a concussive injury should be an aggravating factor which occurred in this instance. Patton has received a five-match ban and a £500 fine.

Giants star Smith pleaded not guilty to the Grade B dangerous contact charge in their Betfred Super League clash with Wakefield Trinity on Sunday.

The tribunal dismissed the appeal after reviewing the match footage, believing the challenge to the existing one-match penalty notice to be unreasonable.

Under the guidelines, the tribunal imposed an additional match to the suspension, meaning Smith will now serve a two-match suspension and will receive a £500 fine.

Are these harsh or fair punishments? Let us know in the comments below.