Friday 21 July 2017 16:09, UK
Leigh forward Jamie Acton has issued a public apology after being banned for four months by the Rugby Football League.
The 25-year-old prop, who has faced five separate charges for foul play this season, was punished for man-handling an injured Greg Bird during the Centurions' Super League defeat at Catalans Dragons on July 1.
Acton was charged by the RFL's match review panel with a grade F offence of "other contrary behaviour" after being seen by television viewers picking up a prone Bird one-handed before dumping him back to the ground.
The case was postponed twice at the request of his club, who said they needed more time to prepare his defence. Acton admitted the charge when he appeared in front of an independent disciplinary tribunal in Leeds on Tuesday evening, although he contested the grading.
Acton's season is now over after he appealed the severity of the initial nine-match ban, which was turned into a four-month suspension.
He has now said sorry to the club's supporters, staff, directors and sponsors.
"I am sorry to let everyone down," he said. "I accept full responsibility for my actions and they weren't acceptable regardless of the grading I've been given. It is what it is.
"I will continue to work hard and improve on the negative areas of my game and support the team as best I can off the field for the rest of the season and whilst I'm part of the club."
