See the disgraceful moment NRL star stomps his studs into the face of an opponent who'd just been knocked out cold

Former Newcastle Knights player Steve Gordon could face a 12-match suspension after allegedly stomping his boot into the face of a rival who'd just been knocked out cold during a match.

Gordon, who played two games for the Knights in 2007, was sent off on April 20 while playing for Raymond Terrace against Dudley in the Newcastle and Hunter Rugby League men's A-grade competition, about 160km north of Sydney. 

He was charged with stomping on the opposition player's head after he'd been left unconscious on the ground in a tackle just moments before, and pleaded guilty.

Now New South Wales Rugby League (NSWRL) boss David Trodden has intervened in an effort to ensure Gordon cops a three-month ban after deciding his initial punishment was nowhere near severe enough. 

The Newcastle Hunter Rugby League judiciary charged the 37-year-old with grade-three striking. After pleading guilty, Gordon was suspended for two matches.

That was despite referee Tom Taylor stating that Gordon 'walked over to the ball carrier, who still appeared to be unconscious laying on his back, and stomped directly on to his face with the studs of his boot', according to News Corp. 

Dudley president Kody Bridges appealed on the basis of 'an inadequate punishment', but the appeal was dismissed even though the referee and three other witnesses claimed they saw Gordon stomping on Dudley forward Joel Williams. 

The appeals panel said the video was inconclusive.

Trodden and the NSWRL intervened and issued the following statement: 'Following a recent hearing and appeal process in relation to an incident arising from the match between Raymond Terrace and Dudley on April 20, 2024.

'NSWRL yesterday reissued a charge of grade-four striking against Stephen Gordon from the Raymond Terrace Magpies club. The charge carries a nominal penalty of 1200 points, equating to a 12-match suspension upon conviction. 

'The charge will be heard on June 6, 2024, and the player will be stood down from participation in rugby league pending the hearing of the charge.'

NHRL competition secretary Shenae Handsaker refused to discuss the issue when contacted. 

'This is confidential information,' she said. 

'NHRL have no comment to make in regards to any players' suspensions within the NHRL competition. Thank you for respecting our players' privacy.' 

Dudley president Kody Bridges also declined to comment until the process is completed.

In addition to his brief time with the Knights, Gordon played for over a decade in the Newcastle RL competition with Wests and Central, mainly as a utility back.