Trio’s ban threat

OLDHAM RL Club has been stunned by news that Gareth Owen, George Tyson and dual-reg Josh Johnson face the threat of suspension for their part in the Barrow brawl.

All three have been charged with striking offences following the match review panel’s study of the 79th-minute touchline flare-up at Craven Park, when Oldham was on the verge of losing its unbeaten League One record.

Oldham hooker Owen and Barrow half-back Liam Campbell, who were both sent off by referee Chris Campbell, appeared to be at the centre of the melee. The referee didn’t produce any more cards, but placed the whole incident on report for scrutiny by RFL disciplinary chiefs.

Campbell, who faces a grade ‘C’ striking charge, was the only Barrow player to be cited.

Owen and Johnson are also charged with grade ‘C’ striking offences, while Tyson faces a less-serious grade ‘B’ punching charge.

Owen and Campbell have until 11am on Tuesday to exercise their option of submitting an early guilty plea which for ‘C’ charges brings a two-match ban. Tyson and Johnson don’t have that option and will appear before a disciplinary panel on Tuesday. All four face suspension for two to three matches.

Oldham chairman Chris Hamilton: “We’re speaking to the players and examining the DVD before we decide on the next step. We have until Tuesday to let them know whether we will be making personal appearances.”

Sanctions won’t kick-in until next week so Owen, Tyson and Johnson are all available for Sunday’s clash with Newcastle Thunder at Whitebank.