Bennett Banned For 84 Days

By Simon Carew - April 5 2002
Bennett Banned For 84 Days
Banned
Stuart Bennett has been banned for 84 days after being found guilty of stamping in the bad tempered match against Liverpool St Helens. But the good news for the 32 year old is that he will only miss three matches ... thanks to the summer break.

Bennett had appealed against his red card arguing that he had thrown a punch but had not stamped. The tribunal in Huddersfield sided with the ref but told Bennett he would be free to play again on September 9th ...probably the second game of next season.

He was sent off with Liverpool flanker Njike Tchakoute who had taken an almighty kick at the ball - trouble was Davy Tighe was holding it at the time. He was also on three yellow cards and was banned for a month in total.

Bennett said today: "Njike actually gave evidence on my behalf and said it wasn't me who tried to kick him. But the tribunal said they had to take note of the official's report and that was it.

"Our hearing didn't start until after 10 p.m. so we had a good chat with Njike who was adamant he did not deliberately kick at Davy. I am pleased to say that his ban means he will still be able to play in the Commonwealth games for Cameroon."

Bennett's ban means he will miss the County Cup run in and any chance of playing for Durham where he is keen to get his County Cap.

He says: "After being out so long with the breaks in my arm I am sick at not being able to play until September, but I am genuinely predicting a top three place for us next season. The team is getting better all the time and we have a spirit second to none."