As Hull KR and Leigh Leopards met in a great Challenge Cup Final at Wembley, there were plenty of talking points as the two teams met both striving to end long waits not only for the Challenge Cup but major trophies in general.
Thus, every single decision was under the microscope with such a big reward on the line.
So when Chris Kendall and video referee Liam Moore had to make the big call to sin bin Elliot Minchella showing the first yellow card since 2001, it was always going to cause a lot of debate.
It also brought back up the debate around milking penalties and players staying down and this led to Johnathon Davies slamming those that did.
“I think that is a little harsh. I can understand they are trying to protect the player but there was no malice in that. They should just get on with the game,” he said.
“It’s getting a little pathetic now, players trying to get other players sent off. Just get on with the game.
“This is a Challenge Cup Final, players work their socks off to get into this position and the referee then goes and does that.
“For me that is very unlucky, the elbow was there, he didn’t lead with it though. I think that is harsh.
“Yes it is clumsy, the ref said there was no wrapping of the arm, but that’s a big call. The coach won’t be happy but this is a big 10 minutes now.”
Despite this, it is hard to argue against the decision given that replays showed that Elliot Minchella made contact with Ben Reynolds with the elbow.
In fact, had the contact been a little higher up he could have faced a red card for direct contact to the head.
To Hull KR’s credit they hung in there and and ended the half just two points behind the Leopards with the score 10-8 giving the platform to fight back and level matters in the second half.
In the end though the Robins came up short losing 17-16 after a golden point drop goal from Lance Todd Trophy winner Lachlan Lam.
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