Both clubs twitter accounts commented on it, as did a few reporters at the game. Every one of them said it was accidental.

Quote: Red John "I thought something similar, although, obviously, as I'm not a prepubescent teenager, I thought it in adult words. However, to be fair to the player, we've seen very little of the Bad Gareth this season, and a lot of the Good Gareth. Even when it kicked off a bit on Saturday, he stayed well away, like a boat that isn't a destroyer lying off the coast waiting to be called on if necessary.'" Well done Gareth, but his record is disgraceful, thuggery and petulance are the mark of the man. www.therfl.co.uk/disciplinary?pl ... rch=search

Quote: Red John "I thought something similar, although, obviously, as I'm not a prepubescent teenager, I thought it in adult words. However, to be fair to the player, we've seen very little of the Bad Gareth this season, and a lot of the Good Gareth. Even when it kicked off a bit on Saturday, he stayed well away, like a boat that isn't a destroyer lying off the coast waiting to be called on if necessary.'" Well done Gareth, but his record is disgraceful, thuggery and petulance are the mark of the man. www.therfl.co.uk/disciplinary?pl ... rch=search

Doesn't anybody do irony any more ?

In terms of the way he's been for us this season, he [ihasn't[/i been a particularly dirty player, nor stood out as someone who's likely to kick off. The only incident I can think of was down at London.

If he's found guilty for this then it's absolutely ludicrous. There was a try for him if he could have took the ball in, is he supposed to let a good chance go begging because the referee's took up a position directly in line with his run. I know that he has previous for contact with a ref but this is ridiculous.

Fair play to Matt Thomason for getting back up so quickly as he was hit at full pelt, shame his whistle was unable to make a recovery. So in the last 2 home games we've needed a replacement referee & now a replacement whistle!

This seems like something out of nothing...which means he'll probably get 8 games unfortunately. A very similar incident happened last year when he was at widnes and he got a 5 match ban I think?

What about when the ref took a player out in front the south stand..is he getting a ban too.

For those commenting on Hocks history, we can only relay what we've seen from him in a Salford shirt this year. He's been the complete opposite to the player we were told we were signing. Great attitude and well disciplined.

Seriously losing faith with the game at the moment. If the ref had not been in such a stupid position hock would have scored.
If the ref though the offence so serious surely he would have been sent off.

Are we saying that Hock intentionally ran at the ref on purpose?

Intentionally and on purpose

Is that 2 offences ?

It was interesting to see it again on super league full time. Looked a bit dubious on Hock's part to be honest.

Just seen on super league show doesn't look the best! Could of been avoided and I normally wear the red tinted glasses!

Must be serious to be stating a 4-8 match ban. Didnt the linesman come on the pitch after the incident and have a word with the ref about what had happened. If it was that serious and obvious then a red card would have been issued.

8 match ban, rested and back for the play offs!