Bulls consider appeal over Sykes ban
8:25pm Tuesday 8th July 2008
The Bulls are considering appealing against England centre Paul Sykes' one-match ban.
He was hit by the suspension tonight after being found guilty of using foul and abusive language to referee Steve Ganson.
An RFL disciplinary also fined the player £300 and he is now set to miss Friday's testing trip to resurgent Warrington - munless Bradford push ahead with initial plans to contest the verdict.
Adamant Sykes insists he never spoke out of turn to the official who red-carded him after he protested against the decision to blow for time while the teams were preparing to pack down for a scrum.
He pleaded innocence before the panel in Leeds tonight and hopes more evidence could clear his name.
With England star Sam Burgess (shoulder) definitely out this weekend and Andy Lynch and Terry Newton both struggling with injuries, Bulls boss Steve McNamara can ill-afford to see another of his main strike players sidelined.
If they do appeal, Sykes - third in Super League's try-scoring list with 13 touchdowns - will still be named in their 19-man squad tomorrow with Craig Kopczak likely to return for Burgess.
Huddersfield skipper Chris Thorman, meanwhile, was found not guilty of biting the finger of Bulls' Michael Platt.
The full back made the allegation towards the end of the 25-24 defeat but the case was thrown out tonight.
Ganson, who flashed four yellow cards on Sunday as well as dismissing Sykes, has not been given a match to officiate this weekend, with Frenchman Thierry Alibert getting a rare Super League appointment instead.