RFL hit back at Widnes Vikings coach over referee abuse

[josie andrews]

THE Rugby Football League has reiterated its determination to clamp down on any abuse of referees.

The game’s governing body moved to protect the reputation of a sport which prides itself on the respect shown to match officials in the wake of England forward Gareth Hock’s dismissal for using foul and abusive language to an in-goal judge.

Hock was given a one-match ban for a foul-mouthed tirade during Widnes’ Super League match against Bradford last Friday but the RFL was thought to have been dismayed by subsequent criticism of the sending-off.

Vikings coach Denis Betts described the decision by referee Robert Hicks as “atrocious and an absolute joke”, insisting that players should not be shown a red card for swearing.

Blake Solly, the RFL’s director of standards and licensing, hit back by warning that the governing body is not prepared to relax its attitude towards any player who undermines the authority of match officials.


THE Rugby Football League has reiterated its determination to clamp down on any abuse of referees.

The game’s governing body moved to protect the reputation of a sport which prides itself on the respect shown to match officials in the wake of England forward Gareth Hock’s dismissal for using foul and abusive language to an in-goal judge.

Hock was given a one-match ban for a foul-mouthed tirade during Widnes’ Super League match against Bradford last Friday but the RFL was thought to have been dismayed by subsequent criticism of the sending-off.

Vikings coach Denis Betts described the decision by referee Robert Hicks as “atrocious and an absolute joke”, insisting that players should not be shown a red card for swearing.

Blake Solly, the RFL’s director of standards and licensing, hit back by warning that the governing body is not prepared to relax its attitude towards any player who undermines the authority of match officials.

“The RFL will do all within its powers to maintain the sport’s reputation as one which has respect for match officials,” said Solly. “Anyone who believes we should take a less hard line on those who verbally abuse match officials is doing the sport a great disservice.

“Rugby league is the envy of many sports for the way in which the authority of its match officials is recognised by players and coaches and we will do all within our powers to maintain that.

“The day we see referees, touch-judges and in-goal judges being harangued, badgered and bullied like they are in some sports would be a very sad day for all.

“Referees may not get every decision correct but they do a difficult job very well.

“Just as it is unacceptable for someone to use foul language to a player when he drops a pass or for a coach to be abused for making a poor team selection, we are not prepared to stand by and allow the status of our match officials to be undermined.”

Solly’s comment came as the RFL announced that three other players have been charged with using foul and abusive language to officials



http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/ru ... z2NbcwYpBM

[josie andrews]

Three players charged with verbally abusing match officials

Two Kingstone Press Championship players will appear before the RFL Disciplinary Committee next week after being charged with committing offences during recent fixtures.

Keighley Cougars forward Paul March has been charged with committing the Grade B offence of using foul and abusive language towards a match official during a Championship game against Featherstone Rovers on Thursday March 7.

Workington Town prop Jamie Thackray has been charged with the Grade C offence of using foul and abusive language and aggressive body language towards a match official during a game against York City Knight on Sunday March 10.

Hull KR Academy player Ryan Devaney will also appear before the Disciplinary Committee after he was charged with a Grade D offence for using foul and abusive language and questioning the integrity of a match official on Saturday March 2.

All three players were charged after the incidents were viewed by the Match Review Panel, which also deemed sending off was sufficient punishment for Dewsbury Rams player Karl Pryce, who was dismissed following a striking incident in a game against Barrow Raiders on Sunday March 10.

http://www.loverugbyleague.com/news_113 ... ials.html?

[Kittwazzer]

Having a bad day Josie?

#longestheadinginhistory

[josie andrews]

Having a bad day Josie?

#longestheadinginhistory

Sorry bout that , bloody Liverpool Echo puts their URL on everything

[josie andrews]

THE Rugby Football League has reiterated its determination to clamp down on any abuse of referees.

I hope this applies to JJB from his outbursts last night

[doc]

Karl Pryce cited for striking!!!!

He couldn't punch his way out of a wet paper bag!

[Sutty]

Karl Pryce cited for striking!!!!

He couldn't punch his way out of a wet paper bag!

I almost read that as though he'd gone on strike from playing. That's the only sort of striking that I ever saw him do at Wigan

[josie andrews]

JJB has not even be cited by the disciplinary for verbally abusing the referee from Friday's game!!

Utter Bo**ocks

[Owd Codger]

It all depends on what club you play for!