“A stinker of a call” – How social media reacted to Morgan Knowles ban

Last night Morgan Knowles was given a five match ban for a hip drop tackle on Mike Cooper in the derby between Wigan Warriors and St Helens.

The decision was quite divisive especially on social media. But one fan felt it was the perfect call and the best way to stamp the hip drop tackle out of the sport.

5 for Knowles is about right for me. Enough of a deterrent to stamp it out of the game

— jon winter (@jonb4g) April 11, 2023

This wasn’t the first time that Knowles has been involved in a high profile tribunal. Going into last year’s Grand Final a second appeal saw Knowles able to play against Leeds Rhinos in the Grand Final and fans were quick to bring that up.

Justice for the Grand Final appeal

— oliver (@walkeroli_) April 11, 2023

One fan was stunned though that Knowles’ tackle was given the same punishment as Gil Dudson’s punch.

We can argue about the 5 for Knowles but to five Dudson the same for punching a defenceless player only 5 as well tells me they are just making stuff
up.

— The Red V (@coveredinsins) April 11, 2023

Others felt Dudson was lucky whilst Knowles’ was the appropriate punishment.

I would say the Knowles one is correct, Dudson is a very lucky boy.

— Paul 'Geordie' Arnison (@massivewire) April 11, 2023

But it didn’t stop the argument that it is not fair that Knowles received the same punishment as Dudson.

How can pinching someone on the floor & a Hip Drop both have the same punishment? I got no problem with Knowles getting 5 matches (as long as you don't overturn it if St Helens apeal). However 5 matches for Dudson is weak & pathetic, it should've been at least 8 games!

— DeanC_2024 (@DeanC_2024) April 11, 2023

This is a stinker of a call. Never in a million years should a “careless,” tackle be deemed as illegal as a punch. You’ve had a stinker here, lads.

— JmeMc123 (@JmeMc123) April 11, 2023

Sorry but how can Knowles have the same ban as a man who literally punched someone who was on the floor defenceless 😂😂 https://t.co/Vx95a3GxuJ

— Keiron Yeoman (@KeironYeoman) April 11, 2023

So that was a frequent argument being made by supporters.

Unsurprisingly, Wigan fans were calling for Knowles to get a bigger ban however which is to be expected.

Knowles should have got more than 5 games. Repeat offender. https://t.co/RlKQEie3bs

— ClareNorth🍒🤍 (@cherrypie1872) April 11, 2023

The hip drop tackle is something the sport is aiming to stamp out so it is no surprise that he received a five match ban but he was hit the harshest out of the likes of Hull KR’s James Batchelor and Warrington Wolves’ Gil Dudson.