Newton handed 10-week suspension

Wigan hooker Terry Newton has been hit by a lengthy ban for breaking Sean Long's cheekbone and knocking out Lee Gilmour against St Helens last weekend.

The Great Britain international, 26, will miss 10 Super League games - a record suspension for the competition.

Newton was banned for seven matches for the tackle on Long and another three games for a heavy challenge on Gilmour.

With a maximum of five games left this season for Wigan, the ban means Newton will miss the start of Super League XI.

The former Leeds player, who has been linked with a move to Bradford, could sit out as much as two months of next season if the Warriors fail to reach the play-offs.

That's because he will also be able to count one pre-season friendly as part of his suspension, leaving him with eight games to serve from February.

Newton, who was also fined ?600, was found guilty of using his forearm on Gilmour and of using his forearm and elbow on Long.

Wigan chairman Maurice Lindsay declined to comment on the ruling, but St Helens chairman Eamonn McManus, who was furious at the time of the incidents, said: "Everybody who saw them were pretty disturbed by it.

"Now the authorities have made their decision, it's been dealt with. It's not for me to comment on the length of the ban."

Barrie McDermott avoided a ban when he appeared in front of the disciplinary committee on a charge of striking.

The Leeds prop, who plans to retire at the end of the season, was found guilty of a high tackle during the 33-16 defeat at Warrington on Saturday but escaped with a ?300 fine.

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Thanks to BBC Sport for this article.