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Topics: Rugby League
Daniel Marland
Toulouse Olympique's Corey Norman has been handed an eight-match ban by the Super League after putting his finger up Warrington Wolves opponent Oliver Holmes' bum. Check out the video below:
Footage of the 31-year-old reaching between Holmes' legs during last week's 32-18 defeat at the Halliwell Jones Stadium has emerged.
The duo were involved in heated exchanges throughout the game, but the second half is when tensions boiled over.
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Holmes was on the attack and Norman took his opportunity to go in hard with a tackle. While on the ground, he tried to put his finger up his foe's backside.
England international Holmes and teammate Danny Walker reported the incident to the touch judge and former NRL star Norman has received a Grade F charge relating to 'inappropriate contact'.
Norman initially pleaded not guilty to the charge, but the tribunal was ‘entirely satisfied’ the act was carried out intentionally and hit him with a lengthy ban plus fine of £500.
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The official ruling reads: "The footage of the incident shows a deliberate movement of Corey Norman’s left arm and hand over the top of Oliver Holmes and on to his buttocks.
"At no point does the footage show a grabbing of the shorts to push Oliver Holmes down as described by Corey Norman."
It means the playmaker will miss the rest of the Super League campaign, with Toulouse already bottom of the league and four points from safety.
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Norman made his debut for the club in May and has featured in all 11 games since his arrival. He is yet to be offered a new contract, meaning his ban will extend into next season if he re-signs.
NRL commentator Mat Thompson went even further when discussing the saga and labelled it 'sexual assault'.
He vented: "Without trying to be one of those wowzers, it’s sexual assault.
"If you did it on the street you’d end up in jail."