Re: Ben Flower : Sun Oct 12, 2014 10:51 am  

What happened in the lead up to the final punch was what happens occasionally in Rugby League. The last punch was a disgraceful assault and brought the game into disrepute.

Re: Ben Flower : Sun Oct 12, 2014 10:52 am  

RL is getting an absolute hammering on social media.

Re: Ben Flower : Sun Oct 12, 2014 10:52 am  

TheElectricGlidingWarrior wrote:

We all know it was an awful incident and that Flower was at fault, that his red was more than deserved and that a ban will be the correct punishment, but some of the comments like Flower potentially killing Hohaia and going to prison are embarrassingly over the top. Pointing that out isn't the same as defending Flower. Some people are just too desperate to believe Wigan are a criminal outfit. Players commit fouls, even yours.

Blows like that could lead to LH developing epilepsy or another neurological condition in future. There are no excuses for what Flower did. Worst thing I've seen on a professional RL ground in 50 years. Got to be life ban for me. Sorry to say that but that, as a neutral, is how I feel.

Re: Ben Flower : Sun Oct 12, 2014 10:52 am  

rollin thunder wrote:

Think Clarkes comment in commentary have been over looked a lot he was desperately trying to somehow justify it.

Par for the course with that muppet though. He's becoming a caricature of himself. Just when you thought he couldn't lose anymore credibility.

Re: Ben Flower : Sun Oct 12, 2014 10:55 am  

Cronus wrote:

Make juvenile posts such as "End of. Night" and you'll get one in response.

I actually agree with the remainder of your post, except you miss the point that Hohaia chose to deliberately move into Flower's path and got banged out the way, albeit aggressively. He then retaliated and came off worse. Fact is, he instigated the entire thing, chose to take it further by chasing Flower and striking him in the face with the forearm, and came off second best.

But let me be clear, despite the hysterical wailing on here, no-one is defending the final punch. It was a step too far and he will rightly face a strong punishment.

So a debatable obstruction is now open to violent retaliation, when did that enter the rules?

Complete bollox, no excuses

Re: Ben Flower : Sun Oct 12, 2014 10:57 am  

Cronus wrote:

Make juvenile posts such as "End of. Night" and you'll get one in response.

I actually agree with the remainder of your post, except you miss the point that Hohaia chose to deliberately move into Flower's path and got banged out the way, albeit aggressively. He then retaliated and came off worse. Fact is, he instigated the entire thing, chose to take it further by chasing Flower and striking him in the face with the forearm, and came off second best.

But let me be clear, despite the hysterical wailing on here, no-one is defending the final punch. It was a step too far and he will rightly face a strong punishment.

I challenge you to try and block my run for a chasing ball and see if I lamp you, because that's my nature or simply pick one of the 20 meters either side of you.

Sorry that you feel that saying night is some how equivalent to name calling. This over reaction thing must be catching.

Should I watch out for a low flying ban.

Re: Ben Flower : Sun Oct 12, 2014 10:57 am  

Maccbull_BigBullyBooaza wrote:

Par for the course with that muppet though. He's becoming a caricature of himself. Just when you thought he couldn't lose anymore credibility.

When has he ever had any as a pundit, the guy is a total plank!

Re: Ben Flower : Sun Oct 12, 2014 10:59 am  

FlexWheeler wrote:

RL is getting an absolute hammering on social media.

The game is in desperate need of another Zak episode.

Just for the sake of distraction, obviously.

Re: Ben Flower : Sun Oct 12, 2014 11:01 am  

Starbug wrote:

So a debatable obstruction is now open to violent retaliation, when did that enter the rules?

Complete bollox, no excuses

Please. You see that sort of thing fairly often. Someone steps in the way to impede a chaser and gets banged out the way. That was nothing despite your pitiful bleating.

Once again, the second punch was inexcusable but give over painting Hohaia as some innocent victim.

Re: Ben Flower : Sun Oct 12, 2014 11:01 am  

Dally wrote:

Blows like that could lead to LH developing epilepsy or another neurological condition in future. There are no excuses for what Flower did. Worst thing I've seen on a professional RL ground in 50 years. Got to be life ban for me. Sorry to say that but that, as a neutral, is how I feel.

So could lots of other blows, like Weswood on Green, or indeed Lance Hohaia's elbow to Flower's face. While Flower's was very bad, let's not pretend it is unique in having the potential to cause serious injury.