Does the inherent sportsmanship in Rugby prevent such matters from entering the Criminal Courts?

14 October 2014

Ben Flower was involved in violent scenes at the Super League Grand Final, when in a display of inexplicable brutality, just two minutes into the Final, Flower punched St. Helen's player Lance Hohaia twice, knocking the player unconscious. Flower having been charged by the Rugby Football League with the Grade F offence of violent and aggressive punching/punching an off-guard opponent, could face a suspension of eight-plus games. With both Hohaia and St. Helen's Coach Nathan Brown stating that they do not want a prosecution against Flower, it is unlikely the Prop will face criminal charges. 

What do you think?