I think the problem was Alibert didn't want to risk another millenium magic, so he had to listen to the touch judge and the video ref. Had one team being winning by 50 points or if the incident had happened in the middle of the first half he would probably have stuck to his original decision.

If you're going to referee at any6 level, you need to have the courage to make a decision and stick to it.

Having made his decision, based on his interpretation of the Donald challenge at full speed, Alibert then took the cowards way out.

Alternatively his English is that bad then when Bentham told him "penalty to Wigan on the 40 metre line" he simply went to the wrong one.

You suggesting Bentham meant penalty for the McGuire incident not for the late tackle? You could have a point!

Problem with Alibert is that none off the other officials seem to respect him. He is often "told" what to do by the TJs whereas Ganson on tge other hand tells them where to go. He's not totally inept. He's just weak and has a major problem comunicating.

TVOC the 1985 game that Sky may have been referring to was possibly the HKR-Hull John Player Trophy Final at Boothferry Park - the one Hull qualified for with their semi-final defeat of Leeds at the same venue with Eric Grothe freezing his nuts off.

Yes I guess so. I just couldn't be bothered having a look for myself, so thanks.

It wound me up a bit last weekend the number of times Sky made the comment without qualifying it.

It was a cold afternoon at Boothferry Park (snow on the ground) and Neil Hunt sporting a corker of a black eye.

Thats exactly what I thought!
I actually think the standard of reffing in SL is dire and this is an area that stops the game getting stronger, we are going to find it impossible to 'go to the next level' internationally if SL can't get enough competant refs, IMO Uncle Albert is not fit to ref the NL never mind SL
NJ