[Sirius]

Originally Posted by Julian

Great to see thuggish behaviour rewarded.....

This is shocking

Ben Flower: Shaun Wane 'will stand by' dismissed Wigan prop

Asked how he could defend the punch, Wane responded: "You can't. It's a rush of blood.

"It's the Wigan-Saints derby and everybody is getting whacked off the ball and he made an error.

"He'll be really upset with what he's done to his team-mates, but that's just the character and why we love Ben Flower so much.

What about the man he knocked out and then hit full in the face on the ground.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-league/29586010

Some of the forum posters Here think the Police should get involved based on the fact he punched an unconscious defenseless man on the ground.

quote from twitter

No such thing as bad publicity is wrong.

A few Twitter messages.

Barrow Police: "When out and about tonight don't act like @WiganWarriorsRL Ben Flower or you will end up #bangedupinbarrow"

QPR midfielder Joey Barton: "Actually feel a bit sorry for Ben Flower. Lance started it with his elbow. Superb first dig from Flower. Second when he's KO'd is out of order."

Former England rugby union player Brian Moore: "Ben Flower - his first punch was retaliation for a cheap shot on him; second one was unforgiveable."

Former Wigan winger Martin Offiah: "Second punch Flower threw was over the top but in Rugby League if you forearm somebody in the face you can't complain if he clocks you one if I had done what Lance did I'd expect a slap. You play with fire you get burnt man. Lance Hohia will never attack Ben Flower again. Not condoning second punch on a prone player. I don't remember trying to take on a prop. You don't attack props and there was some provocation. If by stating that it makes me Satan then so be it."

Former England striker Gary Lineker: "If only other team sports could match the on-field behaviour of football."

Former England striker Michael Owen: "In China but just seen those punches in the Super League Grand Final on Twitter. First one was shocking but the second one was a disgrace. Can you imagine the outcry if a footballer did that? Can sort of understand the first punch after being provoked but to hit someone again when they are already out cold is hard to understand."

It will bring nothing but embarrassment to the sport.

Just seen this (warning some swearing in it)

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=938394902841628