Goulding ban eased: Rugby League
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The St Helens captain, Bobbie Goulding, has had his eight-match suspension reduced to six on appeal, but that has not mollified his club.
Goulding was given one of the heaviest sentences of recent years after being sent off for a high tackle on the Wigan prop, Neil Cowie, in the Silk Cut Challenge Cup tie between the two sides earlier this month.
His appeal yesterday was backed by his club and - in the first time the organisation has become involved in a disciplinary case - the Rugby League Professional Players' Association. Both argued that the suspension was excessive.
The reduction in his ban means he will still be ruled out of Saints' campaign to retain the Cup until the final, should they reach it. He will, however, be available for two extra rounds of Super League.
That did not placate the St Helens chairman, Eric Ashton, who said that he still regarded the sentence as "disgusting".
He complained that the ban was well above the current average for similar offences. "I've studied videos and I've seen a lot of worse tackles," he said.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments