BLACKBURN Hawks go into this weekend’s double header without Chris Arnone after their captain was handed a two-match ban for comments made on Twitter.

Hawks will be attempting to bounce back from their first league defeat of the season, a 2-1 home reverse to Solway Sharks last weekend, when they host Sutton Sting at the Blackburn Arena in the Moralee Conference tonight at 5.45pm.

They then make the trip to the Billingham Stars tomorrow at 6.30pm, two weeks after a cup defeat in the north east.

But they will go into the games without Arnone, who has been banned after comments made on social media were reported to the English Ice Hockey Association.

Hawks coach Jared Owen said: “We must accept the punishment that has been handed out to Chris for his comments made on Twitter this week.

“Players need to understand their responsibility, and although amateur athletes, we all still have an obligation to respect other teams, officials and fans in public forums such as social media.

“I believe Chris will learn from this experience and come back stronger with a point to prove.”

Arnone, who can return for the home game against Telford Titans next weekend, said: “I made a mistake while engaging in some banter with an old school friend.

“I made an off the cuff remark that was offensive and I understand that as a role model for young kids I need to be more aware of my actions on social media.

“I’d like to apologise to anyone who was offended by my comments. It will not happen again.”