Barrow Raiders forward second row Ned Catic has failed in his appeal against the two-match suspension handed down by the RFL Disciplinary Committee for using foul and abusive language to a match official.

Catic, who was sent off in the 75th minute of Barrow’s 46-16 defeat at Batley Bulldogs on June 28, appealed against the severity of the sentence and claimed his language was not directed at referee Ronnie Laughton.

Catic made a personal appearance at the appeal hearing alongside Barrow chairman Des Johnston, who said the Australian forward had been disciplined by the club and felt a fine was a more appropriate punishment in light of their involvement in the Northern Rail Cup final at Blackpool on Sunday.

However the panel decided the original punishment of a two-match ban and £50 fine should stand especially as the player had continued to use foul and abusive language to Mr Laughton after being shown a yellow card for his initial outburst.

As well as upholding the two-match suspension and £50 fine, the panel ruled that the £200 bond lodged by Catic before the appeal should be forfeited.