Batley player facing ban for homophobic abuse

Batley three-quarter Lee Paterson has been charged with using homophobic abuse to another player during the Championship game against Leigh.

Paterson, 33, was sent off following the incident and will face a Grade E charge when he faces an independent disciplinary tribunal next week.

If found guilty, he could face a ban of up to eight matches.

It is another blow for Batley, who could be handed a points deduction after being charged for breaching dual-registration rules.

They are currently just three points clear of the Championship relegation zone.