Toulouse’s Corey Norman given eight-game ban for placing a hand between Oliver Holmes’ buttocks

Toulouse-stand off Corey Norman has been hit with an eight-game ban after he was found guilty of intentionally placing a hand between the buttocks of Warrington’s Oliver Holmes.

The Australian has been charged with the highest possible offence that can be thrown at him, following the incident which took place in their 32-18 Betfred Super League defeat on Thursday.

His punishment means he will play no further part in the French side’s battle to avoid relegation this season. 

Toulouse stand-off Corey Norman has been banned for eight games after being found guilty of intentionally placing a hand between the buttocks of Warrington’s Oliver Holmes

Norman pleaded not guilty at his disciplinary hearing after being charged with a Grade F offence – the highest possible – which carries the suspension of eight matches.

But Her Honour Justice Sarah Wright, who chaired the independent operational rules tribunal, said the panel were ‘entirely satisfied’ the act was deliberate, and a fine of £500 was also issued.

Subject to a successful appeal, he will miss the remainder of the season, while the verdict could signal the end of his career since he only came out of retirement to sign a short-term deal with Toulouse. 

The ruling, published by the Rugby Football League, read: ‘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.

Footage showed Norman (left) trying to stick his finger up the backside of Warrington star Holmes (right, wearing headband) 

The 31-year-old was regarded as a talented but erratic star in his 234 games in the NRL – but he also attracted trouble and was banned for half the 2016 season for a range of offences 

‘At no point does the footage show a grabbing of the shorts to push Oliver Holmes down, as described by Corey Norman.

‘The footage shows a deliberate placing of Corey Norman’s hands and fingers on the buttocks and coupled with the immediate complaint from Holmes, the reaction of his team-mate Danny Walker and the statement of Holmes to which we have measured regard we are entirely satisfied that this was an intentional placing of a hand between the buttocks of the opposing player and we find the charge proved.’

Norman has started all 11 matches since making his Super League debut in May.

Last July, Kenny Edwards was banned for 10 matches for putting his fingers up the bottom of an opponent while playing for Huddersfield, while Catalans back-rower Joel Tomkins was suspended for eight games for a similar offence in 2020