Disciplinary news: match review panel issue one charge following Challenge Cup semi-finals
One player has been charged following the men’s Challenge Cup semi-finals.
The RFL match review panel accused Hull KR’s former Wakefield Trinity forward James Batchelor of grade B head contact during yesterday’s (Sunday) 32-12 win against Warrington Wolves. Batchelor received three penalty points, taking his tally for the past 12 months to 4.25.
He was fined, but is available to play in Saturday’s Betfred Super League game at Leigh Leopards. The charge arose from an incident which saw Batchelor leave the field for a head injury assessment, which he passed.
There were no charges from Wigan Warriors’ win against St Helens. The panel will review the women’s semi-finals, including Leeds Rhinos’ defeat to Saints, on Thursday.
Meanwhile, Warrington coach Sam Burgess has called on the media to hold referees accountable for their decisions, claiming he gets fined when he tells the truth. There were several contentious decisions during Sunday’s game and speaking in his post-match press conference, Burgess said match officials should be made to face the media as coaches do.
Burgess had no argument about the result, but clearly felt his side didn’t get the rub of the green. The tie’s four captain’s challenges all went against Warrington, with two being ruled inconclusive and the others resulting in the on-field call being overturned in the Robins’ favour.
Asked about that, Burgess said: “If you guys [media] all did your job properly, you should keep them accountable. I can’t do it because every time I tell the truth they fine me and put me back in my box.
“If you guys ask good questions and can get access to the right people, they should be sat in front of the media as well. But I’m going to be careful what I say because I’ll get in trouble.”