Wigan forward John Bateman wins appeal against ban

Wigan forward John Bateman is free to play against Leeds tonight after having his ban overturned.

The 27-year-old was originally given a one-match ban by the Rugby Football League’s match review panel but pleaded not guilty against the decision.

An independent tribunal has found Bateman not guilty of a Grade A disputing the decision of the referee in last week’s derby defeat to St Helens.

Bateman is free to play for Wigan in tonight’s Super League clash against Leeds at the DW Stadium.

Meanwhile, Wigan forward Willie Isa has issued an apology for his actions in their derby defeat to St Helens.

The former Samoa international was given a four-match suspension by the Rugby Football League’s match review panel for two separate incidents in Friday night’s 26-2 defeat to St Helens.

Isa was given a one-match ban for using his shoulder on Jack Welsby and a three-match ban for striking with his forearm in a high tackle on Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook, for which he was sin-binned.

Isa has now issued an apology for his behaviour in the derby and also to the St Helens players for his actions.

He tweeted: “Following the match review panel’s decision to suspend me for four games, I would like to issue an apology for my actions during last week’s fixture against St Helens. When playing in such big games, adrenaline runs high but that is no excuse for my actions during the game.

“I let myself down, my team-mates down and most importantly, the supporters down in such an important game for the club. I would also like to issue an apology to the players from St Helens involved in the incidents for which I have been suspended for.

“Rugby league is a tough, emotional game but my actions last week completely overstepped the mark.

“I look forward to putting these incidents behind me and helping the lads on my return to action following my suspension.”