Hock faces another lengthy ban

Former England forward Gareth Hock is facing a lengthy ban after being charged with making deliberate contact with a referee for the fourth time in his career.
Gareth Hock in action against SwintonGareth Hock in action against Swinton
Gareth Hock in action against Swinton

The 32-year-old former Wigan second rower is accused of making deliberate or reckless physical contact with a match official during the Centurions’ 48-6 win over Swinton in a Kingstone Press Championship match at Heywood Road last Sunday.

Hock has been charged by the Rugby Football League’s match-review panel with a grade D offence which carries a ban of between three and five games and his previous record may count against him.

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Two years ago, while playing for Salford, he was banned for seven matches after coming into contact with referee Matt Thomason, who was knocked to the ground following the collision.

In 2013, during a loan spell with Widnes, he was banned for four games for making deliberate contact with referee George Stokes and in 2008, while playing for Wigan, he was given a five-match ban after being found guilty of pushing referee Ian Smith.

Hock is also facing a separate grade D charge of punching after being sent off for the offence in the game against Swinton.

Two other Leigh players, Jamie Acton and captain Micky Higham, will also appear in front of an RFL disciplinary tribunal charged with grade D offences arising from the same match.