BARROW forward Anthony Bate is today facing a ban of up to eight matches for going into the terraces at Elmpark Way to confront jeering York City Knights fans.

Bate was shown a red card by referee Dave Merrick for connecting with a punch while tackling York's Harry Carter during a fractious League One match nine days ago.

But instead of going to the changing rooms, Bate ducked under the railings at the side of the pitch to go face to face with home fans before being escorted away along the front of the terrace.

The Rugby Football League match review panel deemed his sending-off was sufficient punishment for the foul but have now slapped the player with a grade 'E' charge of behaviour contrary to the spirit of the game for what followed, and he is due at Red Hall for a hearing tomorrow.

The Press understands the panel have taken statements from the match commissioner, the ground safety officer and a fan involved.

Grade 'E' charges, if proven, come with a suspension of five to eight matches.

Barrow's 18-16 win that day saw the Knights slip to fourth in the table at the end of the regular season, handing them an away tie at third-placed Swinton in this Sunday's play-off semi-finals.

Keighley host fifth-placed North Wales in the other semi after their 30-21 defeat at Oldham in the 'promotion final' between the top two on Sunday.

Oldham, at last promoted after six defeats in eight previous grand finals, have been told they cannot play at Whitebank in the Championship as it falls short of minimum standards, but they are set to return to Oldham Athletic's Boundary Park.