Wigan forward Ben Flower faces a lengthy suspension after the Rugby Football League (RFL) charged him on Monday for attacking St Helens half-back Lance Hohaia during the Super League Grand Final.

Flower, 26, was sent off in the second minute of Saturday's match at Old Trafford after sending Hohaia crashing to the ground with a punch and then striking him again in the face as the New Zealander lay prone on the turf. Flower's shocking assault overshadowed St Helens' 14-6 victory and earned him widespread criticism in the British media.

The RFL has decided to charge Flower with a Grade F offense - its most serious charge - and he could now receive a suspension of more than eight matches.