Thursday 11 February 2016 10:29, UK
Hull KR hooker John Boudebza has lost his appeal against a four-match ban imposed for the tackle that ended the season of Castleford captain Michael Shenton.
The 25-year-old France international was given the ban after being found guilty of making dangerous contact with Shenton during Sunday's First Utility Super League round one game at the KC Lightstream Stadium.
Shenton suffered anterior ligament crucial damage and will undergo surgery in the coming weeks.
The Rugby Football League's disciplinary panel went outside the normal guidelines for a Grade B offence because of the severity of the injury caused.
Hull KR immediately lodged an appeal but a League spokesman told Press Association Sport the ban was upheld by a three-man panel sitting at the RFL headquarters in Leeds on Wednesday evening.
Castleford coach Daryl Powell openly criticised both the tackle and the grading while, at Tuesday's hearing, Hull KR coach Chris Chester argued that his player had been unfairly judged in the media and that Boudebza's challenge was neither careless nor reckless but simply unfortunate.
The panel was told that Boudebza, who sent a text message to Shenton wishing him well, was extremely remorseful for the injury caused.
The panel, which took into account the player's previous good record and his remorse, imposed a £300 fine as well as a four-match suspension.
It leaves Hull KR without a recognised hooker for Sunday's game at Warrington, with first-choice No 9 Shaun Lunt on the sidelines having undergone ankle surgery.
