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Rugby League

Wigan forward Hock handed one-match ban for punching

29/04/2008

Wigan second row player Gareth Hock is set to miss his side's forthcoming game against St Helens after being handed a one match ban by the Rugby Football League's disciplinary panel.

The player was found guilty of punching during Wigan's 26-12 defeat to Bradford at the weekend and, in addition to being banned for the clash, which will take place in Cardiff, he has also been hit with a £300 fine.

However, the panel also ruled that the 24-year old was not guilty of striking an opponent with his forearm in the same game, a decision which will be welcomed by Wigan after they have been without the Great Britain forward for some time already this season as a result of a broken thumb.

Meanwhile Warrington will be without Jon Clarke for two games after the Great Britain man was deemed to have struck a St Helens defender on purpose during his side's 30-22 home defeat.

In a busy night for the disciplinary panel, Rickey Bibey of the Wakefield Wildcats was also found guilty of striking Harlequins hooker Chad Randall with his forearm during his team's 24-20 victory over the London side, also at the weekend.

The former Wigan and St Helens player will therefore miss Wakefield's weekend derby game against Castleford at the Millennium Stadium, while the player has also picked up a £300 fine.