sport news NRL star faces ridiculous six-week ban for rule breach so slight we bet you ... trends now

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Rugby league fans and commentators have been left stunned after former NRL prop Paul Vaughan was slapped with the heaviest of penalties for an innocuous incident - while a teammate was barely punished for a high tackle.

Vaughan, who courted controversy during his time in Australia by hosting a barbecue for St George Illawarra teammates during the COVID pandemic, is in hot water again.

However, this time the punishment does not fit the crime.

The former New South Wales Blues representative faces up to six weeks on the sideline for tugging on the shirt of an opposition player.

Playing for Warrington Wolves in the English Super League competition, Vaughan was seen trying to pull St Helens player Sione Mata'utia to his feet following a tackle on Saturday.

The incident has been referred straight to the judiciary as a Grade E charge, which means Vaughan could be rubbed out for four to six weeks - potentially ending the 32-year-old's season.

NRL commentator Andrew Voss could not believe the severity of the possible penalty, posting: 'This charge is a gee up..surely!'