Hull FC youngster Ryan Westerman has been hit with a suspension by the Match Review Panel after questioning the integrity of a match official.
The outside-back was included in Hull’s 21-man squad last week for the Super League clash with Wigan Warriors by John Cartwright but ultimately featured for the reserves against the same opposition at Robin Park Arena.
Westerman kicked two goals in that game, which Hull lost 24-12, but it seems as though he’ll have to wait for his next chance to pick up minutes after being given a two-game ban.
The 19-year-old has been hit with a Grade D charge by the match review panel after being deemed to have crossed the line when speaking to or about a match official, questioning their integrity.
He has made two senior appearances for the Black and Whites over the course of his career so far, with his debut coming in the final game of 2024 against Catalans Dragons. He also featured this year when FC took on York Acorn in the Challenge Cup third round, while the youngster has also made four appearances on loan at Championship side Hunslet.
Westerman’s is one of five charges handed out by the Match Review Panel on Thursday, with Edene Gebbie of Doncaster being hit with a two-game ban for Grade D head contact. That incident, which was described as a ‘horror tackle’ by Widnes Vikings, left Jake Maizen needing to be taken to hospital amid fears of a serious neck injury.
Widnes have since confirmed that Maizen managed to avoided a neck fracture with concussion and a neck strain the extent of the damage, but Gebbie will miss Doncaster’s next two games as a result of the tackle.
Three more lower league players have been charged by the match review panel with former Hull KR man Dan Murray receiving five penalty points and a fine for a Grade C charge, while Ryan Wright of Goole Vikings and Whitehaven’s Jake Pearce have also been charged.
Match Review Panel’s Championship, League One and reserves charges
Edene Gebbie (Doncaster) – Opposition: Widnes Vikings – Grade D Head Contact – 2 Match Suspension & Fine – Penalty Points: 13 – Total Penalty Points: 15.5
Dan Murray (Widnes Vikings) – Opposition: Doncaster – Grade C Dangerous Contact – Fine – Penalty Points: 5 – Total Penalty Points: 5
Ryan Wright (Goole Vikings) – Opposition: Keighley Cougars – Grade B Dangerous Contact – Fine – Penalty Points: 3 – Total Penalty Points: 3
Jake Pearce (Whitehaven) – Opposition: Workington Town – Grade C Late Contact on Passer – Penalty Points: 5 – Total Penalty Points: 5
Ryan Westerman (Hull FC Reserves) – Opposition: Wigan Warriors Reserves – Grade D Questioning Integrity of Match Official – 2 Match Suspension – Penalty Points: 12 – Total Penalty Points: 12
