York Wasps captain Alan Pallister will miss a quarter of the season after being banned for seven matches.

Hooker Pallister was handed the suspension by Rugby Football League disciplinary chiefs last night after pleading guilty to a late and high tackle which broke the jaw of Featherstone Rovers scrum-half Jamie Rooney.

The ban comes into force immediately which means Pallister will be unavailable for Sunday's daunting trip to Widnes Vikings on Sunday. He will not play again until the away clash at Rochdale Hornets on April 8.

Pallister - currently in his testimonial year - attended the Leeds hearing in person.

The suspension for a 'reckless use of the elbow in a high and late challenge' is one of the longest handed out by the RFL in recent years. It equals that given to former York half-back Andy Preston for a late tackle against Egremont almost two years ago to the day.

However, coach Lee Crooks was relieved that Pallister's penalty was not even greater.

"Three months had been banded around so I think Alan will be fairly happy with what he got," said Crooks, adding that he hoped everyone could now put the incident behind them.

"We wish Jamie Rooney all the best. Hopefully he'll be back playing soon.

"Alan has accepted the decision. He pleaded guilty because it was a reckless tackle but I don't think there was intent there."

RFL spokesman John Huxley confirmed that Pallister's good record and his attitude had gone in his favour.

He said: "The ban underlines our determination to protect players. We are aware that Pallister has a good record, we are aware that it is his testimonial season and we are aware he has written letters of apology to Featherstone and Jamie Rooney.

"He has gained a considerable amount of credit by the Rugby Football League for his pro-active approach and his demeanour but we have a duty to the players to protect them."

Huxley added that the RFL had decided not to fine Pallister after taking into consideration the financial position of the club and its players.

It is another major blow for Crooks who has already lost two players this week. Back row forward Spencer Hargrave has decided to retire while three-quarter Paul Butterfield has returned to Castleford following the completion of his loan period.

Heworth pack star Jason Gatus trained with the Wasps last night and could go straight into the squad for the daunting trip to Widnes Vikings on Sunday.

Updated: 11:58 Wednesday, February 14, 2001