Ban threat hangs over Onyango

ROUGHYEDS winger Lucas Onyango, man at the centre of the bizarre “red card” incident in last Sunday’s game at Hunslet, has been summoned to appear before the RFL disciplinary panel on Tuesday.

The Kenyan speedster faces possible suspension if the judiciary, meeting in Leeds, find him guilty of “lifting” an opponent in the tackle.

Lucas will make a personal appearance at the hearing where he will have the backing of the Roughyeds’ chairman Chris Hamilton.

Referee Craig Halloran consulted his touchjudge before giving Onyango a red card - and then withdrawing it quickly and allowing the Oldham winger to stay on the field in a puzzling about-turn.

He awarded Hunslet a penalty and placed the incident on report - a move which invited the RFL’s disciplinary department to look at it in detail and to decide whether there was a case to answer and, if so, by whom.

After the game Halloran told reporters he put the red card back in his pocket after being advised that he had got the wrong man.

Roughyeds’ adult and OAP season-ticket holders are reminded that they are invited to a meeting at the White Bank Stadium, Limeside this evening, starting at 6.30pm.

Anyone intending to be there is asked to first ring the Roughyeds office on 0161 628 3677 in order to reserve a place.

Coach Tony Benson will name his squad to face Sheffield Eagles at Sedgley Park on Monday (8pm kick off) after fitness checks on several players at training over the weekend.

Free transport to the game will be provided by Atlantic Executive Travel of Heywood and anyone wishing to take advantage is asked to ring Roughyeds on the above number to book a seat.