Rochdale appeal Middlehurst ban

Rochdale are to appeal the six match ban handed down to Gary Middlehurst, according to coach John Stankevitch.

Middlehurst was found guilty of kicking out at the head and punching during the Championship 1 match against North Wales Crusaders on April 1.

Stankevitch said: “In light of recent disciplinary hearings, and their findings, Rochdale Hornets will be appealing against the 6 match ban given to Gary Middlehurst. 

“The basis of this appeal with specifically focus upon the inconsistancy of the sentence that was handed down, in comparison to bans that have ben handed out over the past few days.”

Stankevitch himself is appealing a £1000 fine handed down by an RFL tribunal for verbally abusing a match official.

There has been criticism of the disciplinary process, after Castleford stand-off Rangi Chase was handed a three match ban. He was found guilty of striking Featherstone winger Tangi Ropati in the Challenge Cup on Saturday.