The Live Event you are attempting to look at is either unavailable or hasn't began Please refresh this site inside your browser to reload this live event video
The Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford was stepped into debate within three minutes of kick-off on Saturday night, as Wigan Players forward Ben Flower was proven a red card.
The Welshman grew to become the very first player within the good reputation for the Grand Final to become sent off, after two times punching St Helens stand-off Lance Hohaia.
Referee Phil Bentham remained with little option by 26-year-old Flower, who knocked Hohaia down, before striking his defenceless opponent having a right hook towards the face because he lay on the ground.
Hohaia was helped in the field inside a daze, while Flower's act of brutality left his teammates to experience for 77 minutes with simply 12 men.
Former England footballer Michael Owen, a known fan of Rugby League, authored on Twitter: Are you able to think of the outcry if your footballer did that?
He added: Can kind of comprehend the first punch after being triggered but hitting someone again when they're already out cold is confusing.
Can kind of comprehend the first punch after being triggered but hitting someone again when they're already out cold is confusing.
michael owen (@themichaelowen) October 11, 2014
Fellow footballer Joey Barton added: Really feel a little sorry for Ben Flower.
Lance began it together with his elbow.
Superb first dig from Flower. second when he's KO'd has run out of order.
And former Rugby Union star John Moore, 52, tweeted: Ben Flower - his first punch was retaliation for an inexpensive shot on him second one was unforgiveable (sic).
. to become absolutely correct his cheap shot on Ohaia brought to Ohaia's cheap shot then Flower's retaliation second punch on prone man.
Ben Flower - his first punch was retaliation for an inexpensive shot on him second one was unforgiveable.
John Moore (@brianmoore666) October 11, 2014
St Helens won the match 14-6, although Wigan were leading 6-2 at half-time despite their statistical advantage.
They battled to interrupt lower Wigan's 12 men, scoring just one Matty Cruz penalty within the first period.
Moving forward Wigan demonstrated their very own intent with Mark Percival's close range penalty within the 29th minute which levelled the score.
VIEW GALLERY
And Saints fans, who saw their side endure five successive Grand Final losses between 2007 and 2011, might have been forgiving for thinking the worst again when teenage winger Joe Burgess slide hope within the corner to hands the 12-men a 6-2 lead in the break.
But Nathan Brown's calming words at half-time have been effective for Saints and finally they provided their statistical advantage count because the second-half ticked on.
With added composure and greater control, Saints go about their task, though they found the Players once again in obdurate mood at the beginning of the 2nd period.
However, on his farewell appearance, Sia Soliola powered his excess of the road 13 minutes in to the half and Mark Percival converted easily from close range to hands them charge the very first time. They would not quit.
Following a brilliant tackle from Tommy Makinson denied Liam Farrell along with a missed penalty from Matty Cruz, Makinson guaranteed victory for Saints with 11 minutes remaining.
Carrying out a high kick from captain Paul Wellens, Makinson required charge, climbing over the Wigan defence before touching own underneath the posts.
Percival added the additional points which guaranteed the 14-6 success, and quite the departing gift for departing mind coach Nathan Brown.
