RUGBY league referee Steve Ganson will miss this afternoon's Challenge Cup semi final after being arrested in the early hours.

The 40-year-old was due to be video referee for Warrington Wolves clash with Catalans Dragons.

But he has been replaced by Ian Smith.

Ganson was arrested following an altercation outside the Holiday Inn hotel in Haydock which has left an 87-year-old woman seriously injured in hospital.

A spokesman for Merseyside Police said: "Officers were called to the hotel just after midnight following reports of an altercation involving several people.

"On arrival they arrested a 40-year-old St Helens man on suspicion of Section 20 assault.

"He is currently in police custody.

"An 87-year-old woman, also from St Helens, was taken to hospital with a suspected fractured hip and cuts to her arm.

"She is currently undergoing treatment there.

"No-one else was arrested during the incident, which happened outside the hotel in Lodge Lane."

It is understood he was attending the wedding with his wife.