Ben Flower punch: Wigan forward charged with Grade F offence as RFL confirm they have also charged Lance Hohaia

Flower became the first man to be sent off in Super League Grand Final history after he landed two brutal punches on the St Helens stand-off

Ben Flower walks off the field after being sent-off in the Super League Grand Final (Getty Images)

Wigan forward Ben Flower has been charged with a Grade F offence of "aggressive punching on an off-guard opponent", the most serious charge possible in the Super League, while St Helens half-back Lance Hohaia has been charged with a Grade B offence of striking, the Rugby Football League has announced.

Flower became the first man to be sent-off in Super League Grand Final history on Saturday after he was shown a red card after just two minutes of the Old Trafford final.

Hohaia charged into Flower with a raised elbow after the Wigan forward had dropped the ball with a certain try beckoning. Letting the frustration and the heat of the moment get to him, Flower landed a knockout right-hook on Hohaia to drop the St Helens stand-off to the ground.

While punching is not uncommon in a physical sport like rugby league, Flower's next act was condemned by all as he stood over a defenceless Hohaia and delivered a second, brutal punch to his face, before starting a mass brawl between the two teams.

Ben Flower fights with Paul Wellens during the Super League Grand Final (PA)

Confirming the news on their official website, the RFL said in a statement: "Ben Flower of Wigan Warriors has been charged with the Grade F offence of violent and aggressive punching/punching an off-guard opponent (Lance Hohaia) in the second minute of the match,

"Hohaia has been charged with the Grade B offence of striking Flower with the forearm in the second minute."

The Warriors had to endure the following 78 minutes a man short, but despite their valiant attempt they lost the final 14-6 as Saints celebrated their first Old Trafford success since 2006.

Ben Flower was handed a six-month ban for punching Lance Hohaia in Saturday’s Grand Final

Flower issued an apology on Sunday, but he looks likely to be hit with a lengthy ban after his barbaric act has shamed the sport as a whole.

"I am so sorry for what happened," Flower said. "There is no defence for my actions.

"It was something that happened in the heat of the moment when our emotions and adrenaline was running high. I instantly regretted it and am devastated that I allowed myself to punch someone like this.

"At Wigan we are known for being aggressive but we are constantly told to do this within the rules of the game and that punching isn't tough. We may aim to dominate teams but we don't aim to hurt people.

"I firstly offer my apologies to Lance. I have full respect for him and have never gone onto a rugby field to injure a fellow player. I hope he is okay.

"I'd also like to say sorry to my team-mates, our fans and the Wigan club. I know I've let them down like never before and accept I'll have to live with this for the rest of my career.

"Finally, I'm sorry to the sport of rugby league. It was a big night and I know I've taken the attention away from what was a special event."