Why Tony Clubb avoided suspension for clashes with Jackson Hastings

Drew Darbyshire 24 Sep 2019 10:16 AM

Wigan prop Tony Clubb has avoided a ban for incidents involving Salford half-back Jackson Hastings.

The Warriors beat the Red Devils 18-12 in the play-offs at the DW Stadium on Friday night.

After the game, Salford coach Ian Watson had suggested the match review panel might want to look at a challenge from Clubb on Hastings as well as a later off-the-ball incident involving the pair.

But the Rugby Football League’s disciplinary panel have investigated the incidents and it is has been confirmed that Clubb will not face any charges.

However, the judiciary’s report says he should gave been penalised on the pitch for his challenge as Hastings scored, such as Salford being awarded an eight-point try.

They also found “no conclusive evidence” of how Hastings suffered his eye injury, when he struggled to get vision in the final minutes of the match.

The RFL report states: “Player [Clubb] is pushed by opponent [Hastings] and player swipes towards head area of opponent.

“Any contact with opponent is not conclusive in the footage.

“Opponent plays on and is involved in two further contacts. Opponent then reacts and feels eye area following contact in the second tackle after the incident.

“Incident not reported to the referee on-field. Club [Salford] do not submit further information.”