Hull FC's Ligi Sao banned as Declon Patton bite allegation faces further investigation

Sao, 27, was charged with a Grade B dangerous contact on the Warrington half-back in Friday’s 37-12 loss.

He had made his allegation against the same player a couple of minutes earlier after tackling Patton in an incident that was put on report.

It was looked at by the match review panel today and it reported: “Opponent reacts at the closing stages of the tackle.

“Opponent has arm around the neck/head area of player.

“Reported immediately to the referee. Footage inconclusive. Referred for further investigation.”

If loose forward Sao accepts his punishment he will be available for Sunday’s Challenge Cup contest with Castleford Tigers.

Wigan Warriors prop Ben Flower has been handed a two-match penalty notice for a Grade B dangerous contact on Hull KR’s George Lawler so he is set to miss games against Catalans Dragons and their Challenge Cup quarter-final against the victors of Hull and Castleford.

Finally, St Helens’ James Bentley was charged with a Grade A dangerous contact on Huddersfield Giants’ Jordan Turner but received a zero match penalty notice.