Super League Disciplinary: Castleford’s Sylvester Namo Banned for Five Games
In a significant Super League disciplinary decision, Castleford Tigers player Sylvester Namo has been handed a five-game suspension by the Operational Rules Tribunal. The ruling comes after Namo was initially charged with a Grade F Dangerous Contact offense by the Match Review Panel, the highest possible grade, for a tackle that led to an injury for Wigan Warriors’ Willie Isa.
As a first-time offender, the Papua New Guinea international was facing a potential ban of six games or more. However, the tribunal ultimately downgraded the charge to a Grade E, resulting in a five-game suspension and a £750 fine for Namo.
“Castleford Tigers have hinted at a potential further appeal, stating that they will review their options in detail and provide an update on the matter.”
The incident, which saw Isa stretchered off the field, was deemed by the Match Review Panel to involve “Dangerous Contact – Defender uses any part of their body forcefully to twist, bend or otherwise apply pressure to the limb or limbs of an opposing player in a way that involves an unacceptable risk of injury to that player.“
Alongside Namo, the tribunal also heard cases involving Catalans Dragons’ Bayley Sironen, who received a Grade E Head Contact charge, and Hull KR’s Jesse Sue, who was given a Grade B Dangerous Contact charge with a one-match Penalty Notice.
This disciplinary outcome underscores the league’s commitment to player safety and the strict enforcement of its regulations, as it continues to shape the future of rugby league.
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