Ben Flower: Wigan Warriors prop gets two-match ban for 'reckless' elbow

Ben Flower has scored three tries in his 26 appearances this season

Wigan prop Ben Flower has been given a two-match ban for a "reckless" elbow against Warrington's Declan Patton.

It means the Wales international is free to play in the Grand Final should Wigan make this season's showpiece.

Flower, sent off in the first minute of the 2014 Grand Final against St Helens and subsequently banned for six months, will miss Friday's Super League game with Catalans and the semi-final.

A disciplinary panel also fined the 28-year-old £300 for the grade C offence.

In its findings the panel said it accepted Flower's elbow had not been deliberate but added: "This was a reckless act that had contact with the opponent's head and with obvious risk of serious injury."

Despite the loss of Flower, the Warriors went on to win the game at Halliwell Jones Stadium 35-28.

It was the first time he had been dismissed since receiving the longest ban in Super League history for punching St Helens' Lance Hohaia at Old Trafford.

Wigan have already secured a play-off semi-final place and will secure a home tie in the last four if they beat Catalans.