BRADFORD Bulls star Dec Patton has been handed a mammoth seven match ban.

The RFL tweeted: “Disciplinary news: Bradford Bulls’ Dec Patton must serve a 7 match suspension after being found guilty of a Grade E gouging offence committed during his side’s recent match against Halifax panthers. He has also been fined £250.”

It was revealed this week that the Bulls would not appeal the Dec Patton verdict – even if it was to rule him out for the season.

Mark Dunning said: “I’m personally not going to appeal or challenge anything. That’s up to Dec.

“I’m not going to condone the actions. Dec’s going to have to explain to the tribunal what his intentions were and we’ll let that take care of itself.”

Patton’s absence will now leave the Bulls with a major hole in the halves for their remaining five matches, with Jordan Lilley’s ankle injury keeping him out for the rest of the campaign.