Castleford Tigers owner Martin Jepson wants to see an overhaul of the refereeing and disciplinary system after airing fears that current issues are driving people away from the sport.
The Tigers were at the epicentre of the most controversial incident of last week after the video referee controversially denied them a penalty despite Wigan Warriors halfback Harry Smith clearly pulling Castleford player Josh Simm.
The incident was reviewed, but it was deemed there was ‘nothing’ in it. Instead, Wigan gained possession. They went straight up the field and scored, eventually defeating the Tigers 26-20.
After that decision, the RFL’s head of match officials, Phil Bentham, issued a public apology to the club, admitting a ‘clear error’ had been made.
Speaking to All Out Rugby League, Jepson expressed his appreciation for the apology but admitted it did not detract from his view that changes must be made.
“We’ve got to look at the way in which video referees are being used. It’s too long, particularly when it’s an obvious issue. The number of times we’re watching a captain’s challenge to see if a finger moves in a certain way to rip the ball out. In slow motion, it’s a toss of a coin.
“We’re forever looking at video reviews, and the refs tend to go to video more than not, which means they don’t know, so I personally don’t like the on-field decision; why not just send it up and let the video referee decide?”
In Jepson’s view, it’s all part of a wider review to ensure standards meet Super League’s requirements.
“We ultimately need better quality people and a better pathway because it’s clear that we’re not where we need it to be and I include the disciplinary in that, there’s no consistency and there are examples of that every week.
“The decision at the weekend was clearly wrong, and what made it more laughable was the commentary that came with the review that showed how the official had interpreted the incident.
“As I said, we just want consistency. It’s not an excuse, our performances haven’t been good enough this season but I don’t think we have been treated fairly.
“On that point, I’d like to state that I’m fully supportive of Danny McGuire’s post-match comments and I’m glad he has been vindicated by Phil Bentham’s apology.”
Compounding matters for Castleford is the fact Liam Horne has now received a Grade E disciplinary charge. The forward has been cited for Other Contrary Behaviour (Head contact and unnecessary contact with a player who is injured or maybe injured). Footage of the incident has surfaced online and if found guilty, Horne can expect a six-match suspension, much to the bemusement of many.
Meanwhile, coach Danny McGuire is the subject of an RFL compliance investigation for his post-match comments following the incident, despite Bentham’s admission that the wrong decision was made.
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