Quote: NickyKiss "If that’s the line they want to draw with players giving the ref grief, then do it but they need to draw the line, tell people where it is and what was said in this case and then everyone can move forward but it’s all a mystery at the moment. ‘Questioning the integrity of the ref’ makes it sound like he’s said something along the lines of him being an ‘effing cheat’. Is that worth 7 games?! If it is, get the message out there and players can deal with it but I go back to it all feeling a bit precious if that’s the case.
O’Donnell got off extremely lightly IMO and Hardaker and Leigh should’ve been sanctioned for having the brass neck to appeal that ban. What’s happened to the old frivolous appeal line?!'"
The ref has an hard enough job without players whinging and moaning all the time. I’m assuming Griffin called the ref a cheat which for me should be a serious charge with a very lengthy suspension. The authorities have let discipline drop over the years and now all teams continually challenge the refs decisions and claim for penalties when there is no reason for the ref to give a penalty. How often do we see 10 yards given for backchat? I would agree that the authorities should advise clubs that a line has been drawn in the sand and make them aware of potential consequences if players cross that line.
The biggest cheat on the day was Griffin. His ill discipline cheated Hull fans and players of staying in the CC.
Historically as a game most fans were proud how players respected refs unfortunately, that no longer applies. It’s an easy fix if the authorities have the balls to resolve the issue.
Agree that Leigh were out of order in appealing on those decisions.