John Bateman had previously been banned for one match for using “foul and abusive language” in the direction of the referee in Wigan’s 26-2 loss to St Helens last Friday night.
However, Wigan appealed and went to an independent hearing last night where they were successful in getting the ban overturned.
As such, Bateman is now free to play for the Warriors against Leeds Rhinos tonight. But, just how did social media react to the news?
Someone believed the overturning of the ban meant that the referee lied.
So the panel are saying the referee has lied in his report and they do not believe him.
— Simon Lees (@milfordtiger) August 24, 2021
One rugby league fan questioned how this would help referees in the future.
How does this protect referees from being abused in the future?
— Duncan Crossland (@batleyrhino) August 24, 2021
One fan called for more consistency.
What a carry on. The inconsistency is unreal.
— Bradley Asquith (@BradAsquith7) August 24, 2021
A Wigan fan, however, was pleased with the news.
Good to see common sense prevail for once
— stu (@wiganstu) August 24, 2021
Another supporter couldn’t understand how the decision could go from guilty to not guilty.
How can you get found guilty one minute and not guilty next absolute rubbish. He either said something or he didn’t.
— Sean Betts (@seanbetts1) August 24, 2021
One supporter noticed that the referee in question, Chris Kendall, does not have a main Super League this weekend.
To be found not guilty means that Kendall has said he's not said it. So if that's the case has Kendall got the wrong man or heard something different either way he's been demoted to flag waving this week
— Gareth Hughes (@BangorAyeGaz) August 24, 2021
One Wigan fan, however, believed it was the right decision.
No because sin-binning is a punishment, of which he should have received neither anyway.
— AJ Smith (@andystreacle) August 24, 2021
Another supporter couldn’t understand why the accuser has then not been punished.
So if he was not guilty of disputing the decision who accused him of disputing the decision.
Will they be held to account ?????— B Ezzer (@BEzzer3) August 24, 2021
One Twitter user called the whole exchange “embarrassing”.
To be honest this is ridiculous & embarrassing
He said it, he said it, he didn't say it….
— Geoff Strettle (@SAINTSGUS) August 24, 2021
Another person called for an explanation.
Surely you need to explain why conflicting decisions have been made?
Was there new evidence?— Matt (@mattwill1982) August 24, 2021
A Wigan fan was certainly happy with the news.
Bloody brill . Shut up you Wigan haters 🍒⚪️
— Calplatt 🍒⚪️ (@caroleplatt1) August 24, 2021
One Wigan fan had to explain the appeal decision to another.
https://twitter.com/Leigh_Wigan/status/1430237309916622851?s=20
