Verdict made on Matt Dufty, Mike Cooper challenges by RFL disciplinary panel
2XAPYBT Warrington Wolves' Matt Dufty (right) reacts after being shown a yellow card during the Betfred Challenge Cup final at Wembley Stadium, London. Picture date: Saturday June 8, 2024.
Warrington Wolves’ Matt Dufty and Wigan Warriors’ Mike Cooper will face no further action following their yellow cards in Saturday’s Challenge Cup final.
The pair were both sin-binned during the early stages of Wigan’s win against Warrington at Wembley, with referee Chris Kendall opting to show the duo yellow cards inside the first five minutes for their parts in two separate incidents.
Warriors prop Cooper was first sin-binned following a tackle on Warrington’s Josh Thewlis inside the opening 90 seconds of the final at the national stadium.
Meanwhile, barely two minutes later, Wire full-back Dufty followed him off the pitch for 10 minutes having seen yellow after a collision with Wigan winger Liam Marshall close to the touchline.
However, those yellow cards were deemed punishment enough by the Match Review Panel, who have decided not to hand either any suspension or fine.
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Verdict made on Matt Dufty & Mike Cooper’s Challenge Cup final tackles by RFL disciplinary panel following yellow cards at Wembley
The notes on Cooper’s charge from the MRP read: “Low force but opponent is falling into contact and player is trying to avoid contacting the head. Sin bin sufficient.”
And for Dufty, the panel surmised: “Contact is low force. Sin bin sufficient.”
It means the pair are free to feature for their clubs this week as they return to Super League action.
Defending champions Wigan travel to Castleford Tigers on Friday evening, while Warrington host Salford Red Devils the same night.
Warriors skipper Liam Farrell (Head Contact), and team-mates Brad O’Neill and Junior Nsemba (both for Dangerous Throw/Lift) were all also cited by the MRP following Saturday’s final in the capital, though none of the incidents involving that trio were seen to warrant any punishment.
The panel will re-convene on Thursday to review the Women’s Challenge Cup final – between St Helens and Leeds Rhinos – and the 1895 Cup final between Wakefield Trinity and Sheffield Eagles.
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