WIDNES Vikings player Thomas Coyle has lost his appeal against the one-match suspension handed down by the RFL Disciplinary Committee on Tuesday for a careless high tackle in a friendly against Salford City Reds on January 24.

Coyle was dismissed for a tackle on Salford’s Karl Fitzpatrick just four minutes into his debut for Widnes. The player claimed the tackle was not malicious and pointed out that Tuesday was only his second appearance before the RFL Disciplinary Committee in seven years as a professional player.

However the Appeals committee felt the tackle was careless and ruled that as this was not the first time the player’s tackling technique had been highlighted, the suspension should be upheld.

As well as the original £50 fine, Coyle was ordered to surrender the £200 bond lodged prior to his appeal.