Willie Isa issues apology after being given four-match ban

Drew Darbyshire
Willie Isa

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.”

Wigan forward John Bateman has been given a one-match penalty notice after he was sent to the sin bin twice against Saints.

St Helens forward James Bentley will serve a one-match ban after being sent to the sin bin for clashing with Bateman.

Isa will miss Wigan’s upcoming games against Leeds, Castleford, Warrington and Hull. He will return for their final game of the regular season against Catalans at the DW Stadium on September 17.

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