Hull FC forward Jack Ashworth is facing the prospect of a lengthy suspension, potentially six matches or more, after being cited for striking during his side’s derby loss to Hull KR.
The 29-year-old was involved in an incident late in the game, when he appeared to catch Robins playmaker Mikey Lewis in the head with his forearm. His case will go before a tribunal later this week.
Ashworth is not the only player in trouble, with Catalans Dragons prop Franck Maria also charged with a Grade E offence for head contact in their victory over Salford. He too will have his fate decided at a tribunal.
Meanwhile, Salford’s Loghan Lewis and Warrington’s Luke Yates have both been hit with bans that will see them miss the remainder of the season, having received three and two-match suspensions respectively.
The fallout from the fiery Hull derby has been particularly severe for FC, with three other players banned as a result of incidents during the clash. Jordan Rapana has been handed a two-game suspension covering two separate offences, while Amir Bourough and Yusuf Aydin will both sit out one match each.