Ben Flower and Wigan issue apology

Ben Flower has issued an apology following his red card in the Grand Final defeat to St Helens at Old Trafford.

The Welshman was dismissed in the second minute of the game, after he punched Saints stand-off Lance Hohaia while the Kiwi was prone on the ground.

“I am so sorry for what happened last night,” Flower said.

“There is no defence for my actions. It was something that happened in the heat of the moment when our emotions and adrenaline was running high. I instantly regretted it and am devastated that I allowed myself to punch someone like this.

“At Wigan we are known for being aggressive but we are constantly told to do this within the rules of the game and that punching isn’t tough. We may aim to dominate teams, but we don’t aim to hurt people.

“I firstly offer my apologies to Lance. I have full respect for him and have never gone onto a rugby field to injure a fellow player. I hope he is ok.

“I’d also like to say sorry to my teammates, our fans and the Wigan Club. I know I’ve let them down like never before and accept I’ll have to live with this for the rest of my career.

“Finally, I’m sorry to the sport of rugby league. It was a big night and I know I’ve taken the attention away from what was a special event.”

Wigan chairman and owner Ian Lenagan and head coach Shaun Wane also expressed further contrition on behalf of their club as a whole.

“We apologise unreservedly on behalf of the Wigan club to Lance Hohaia, St Helens and the general rugby league family for Ben Flower‘s totally inappropriate behaviour in last night’s Grand Final,” a statement read.

“Rugby league is a tough sport, which we are proud of, but such a response is neither encouraged nor condoned.

“Such behaviour is not representative of rugby league nor the Wigan club.”