Barrow Raiders will have to play the next five Betfred Championship matches without veteran half-back Jarrod Sammut.
The 36-year-old Maltese international has received a five-match suspension for a Grade E charge of disputing a decision.
Sammut was sent off for dissent against Halifax Panthers in the Championship, with Paul Crarey’s side going on to lose 48-20 at the Shay Stadium last month.
After he was penalised for a tackle the Barrow playmaker questioned the official’s decision.
A statement from the Rugby Football League read: “Jarrod Sammut of Barrow Raiders has been suspended for five matches, and fined £375, after being found guilty of a Grade E charge of disputing a decision “using aggressive language or body language” during the Betfred Championship match at Halifax on June 25.
“Sammut’s not guilty plea was rejected.”
He will not be available for selection until the club’s Round 23 trip to Toulouse Olympique on Saturday August 26.
Barrow’s home defeat by Batley on Sunday plunged them back into the drop zone – second bottom – with nine games left to play.
