Ben Flower earned himself a place in rugby league infamy as the first man to be sent off in a Super League Grand Final after punching the helpless St Helens stand-off Lance Hohaia when he was lying on the ground in the third minute at Old Trafford.
Flower, a 26-year-old prop from Wales who switched to league from union in his teens, had already floored Hohaia with a right hook, but it was his second attack to Hohaia’s head that outraged all those who saw it.
He found himself trending on Twitter and even the subject of a tweet from Barrow police warning Saturday night revellers that they would be “banged up” if there was any repeat of his behaviour – although nobody involved in the game showed any inclination of taking up the initial clamour that he should face criminal charges.
“I think he’s served a fair punishment, hasn’t he?” said the St Helens coach Nathan Brown, whose team finally capitalised on their extra man to secure a 14-6 win and claim their first Super League title since 2006. “He got what he deserved and will be thinking ‘I cost my side a grand final’. That’s harsh, but deserved.”
Wigan’s coach made no effort to defend Flower’s behaviour, although he did rail against criticism of his character.
“I’m not even going to try and defend him,” said Wane. “It was a red card – he punched him in the head and deserved to go. I have had a chat with Ben and he’s devastated. He’s done some good things for me and he’s made a huge error. We move on and we are all in it together.
“I can’t explain it. He was revved up, it was a rush of blood, a Wigan and Saints derby. Rugby league’s a tough game, but that tipped over the edge.”
Flower left the stadium before the match was finished to be consoled by his father, but Wane said he would rejoin the Wigan players later in the night.
