Challenge Cup semi-final disciplinary outcomes as Connor avoids charges

DESPITE being at the centre of controversy on two occasions during yesterday's Challenge Cup semi-final against Warrington Wolves, Jake Connor has been found to have no case to answer.

A second-half melee was started when the Huddersfield Giants full-back appeared to nudge Wire's Josh Thewlis over the advertising boards as he chased a kick, sparking a furious reaction from the Wolves fans behind the posts.

Warrington's Matty Nicholson and Huddersfield's Tui Lolohea then tumbled to the ground in each others' grip, at which point the melee started.

Video referee Ben Thaler reviewed the incident and advised on-field Liam Moore that none of the incidents were worthy of further action, and the Match Review Panel has backed up that stance at today's sitting.

On the initial push from Connor, the panel minutes read: “Opponent stops player from getting to the ball. Player makes minimal contact with the opponent, who goes over the advertising hoardings.”

Shortly afterwards, Connor and Thewlis clashed again – after the winger had made a break only to be hauled down by the Giants man, Connor pushed Thewlis back to the ground as he attempted to stand up.

Connor was sin-binned and upon further review, the panel again decided he had been punished enough saying: “Player reacts to opponent by pushing out at opponent on the ground. Player on warning due to previous incident. No punches thrown.”

Three charges have been handed out following the semi-final match, with all three going to Wigan Warriors players.

Kaide Ellis and Sam Walters have both been hit with one-match penalty notices having been charged with Grade B instances of dangerous contact and head contact respectively, while Luke Thompson's Grade B dangerous contact charge has a £250 fine attached.