Ex Sky commentator challenges Paul Rowley to a bet after calling official “weak”

By now you will be well aware of Paul Rowley’s comments after Salford Red Devils were beaten by St Helens which was the club’s seventh consecutive defeat which has included other controversies such as against Leeds Rhinos.

This time, similar to the defeat against Leeds, Salford played very well but were defeated by the Super League and World Champions who valiantly battled back from 15-2 down to win 18-15 against the Red Devils.

However, after the game, Paul Rowley was left disappointed with officials and called referee Jack Smith “a disgrace.”

Rowley is now set to appear in front of the Compliance Board of the RFL according to BBC Sport.

Many have been critical of these comments including former Sky Sports commentator Rod Studd who has now challenged Rowley to a challenge.

He said on social media: “I’m tired of listening to this so I issue this challenge to Paul Rowley + anyone who agrees with him. I’ll give you x amount for every ref’s mistake if you give me x for every correct decision in any RL match. You should be aware there are hundreds of decisions every match.”

Rowley’s comments in full were: “It’s so hard. If we’d have won the game, I’d come in and say probably exactly the same thing. I thought the officials were a disgrace. I think Jack, I’ve watched him on telly, he’s been a disgrace a few times this year, one for us at Warrington at home. So three games in a row now we’ve been absolutely let down.

“So clearly Kendall and Liam Moore are the best two refs who get all the cup finals, we don’t get them too much so we must be deemed poor quality games.

“It’s kind of gloves off, I’m usually quite measured and take my time I don’t like to criticise because we’ve lost obviously, but again, I’d have said the same thing in victory.”

Previously, Studd said: “Any waffle will do to distract attention from the actual result of the match which was Salford’s 7th successive defeat. A tiresome + totally transparent tactic. Why does it go unchallenged?” he said on social media.

He added: “The coach should be criticised for tiresome attacks on referees.”