Ex-Super League player claims controversial tackle deserved more than yellow card

James Batchelor was shown a yellow card for a hip drop tackle on Jake Clifford which forced the halfback off with an ankle injury in yesterday’s Hull derby.

The Sky Sports pundits were divided by the decision.

Phil Clarke said: “There’s nothing illegal in it.”

But Jon Wells said it was a tackle that needs to be guarded against:

“It’s what Batchelor does, from behind and dropping the hips and that is what catches the ankle underneath. I can understand why Jake Clifford is angry with that.

“I don’t think it is intentional but you have to guard against that sort of tackle because you put your opponent into a vulnerable position.

“Yes you are trying to stop him but you have a duty of care to other players on the field.”

Bill Arthur meanwhile questioned what else Batchelor can do:

“James Batchelor is mystified by that, what was he supposed to do? He is falling as well. How are you supposed to make that judgement in a split second.”

Wells responded:

“This is what we expect it is an elite level of sport and you are expected in a way that is safe and Jake Clifford is fuming at this.”

Now former Hull FC star has taken to Twitter to emphasise how dangerous the tackle is.

Green, who made 146 appearances for Hull, said the tackle deserves more than 10 minutes in the sin bin:

“Those hip drops and tackles at the knee need stamping out deserve more than 10mins, Clifford probably done his MCL off the back of that.”

Those hip drops and tackles at the knee need stamping out deserve more than 10mins, Clifford probably done his MCL off the back of that

— Chris Green (@crgreeny) April 7, 2023