The comments by McManus were written a couple of days after his club gave their worst performance of the season. The referee was chosen quite a few days before the match and, presumably notified to the officials of the 2 clubs involved. McManus obviously knew of the death threat incident so, my question is - why did he not raise the matter with the RFL when he 1st knew of Hicks appointment? It would then have been up to the RFL to either appoint a new referee, or carry on with Hicks.

A good summing up imo Phuzzy.

Thank you JJ. Your £5 is in the post.

I respect you as a poster, on this one though myself and most of the RL world hold a contrary opinion.

If this went to court I’ve no doubt EM would win for the reasons you are arguing however in my mind, and the minds of most we know what he meant and implied.

I’m sorry, his program notes were nothing more than a childish dummy spit (well worded & likely with the help of a lawyer) because a couple of decisions went against his team.

Did EM air his concerns about the appointment of Hicks for the final before the game?

What McManus doesn't seem to know is that after Hicks reported the tweet to the police, the police interviewed him and became aware he had some learning difficulties..so it was the police who went back to Hicks and explained the situation and they were sure he was of no threat...but they will prosecute him if Hicks wanted so....Hicks on learning of his learning issues told the police he didn't want to prosecute but did want to meet the lad to put to him what he thought.
The police were satisfied with this and Karl F was asked to set up the meeting by Hicks.
That is how the events panned out...
The outcome was the lad had his lifetime ban suspended for 12 months...however the lad was so beside himself and in grief with guilt, he hasn't been to another game, even though he can.

McManus is completely wrong and out of order.
If he'd have just took 5 mind to ask KF this...he'd have been much wiser with his'sewer'post.