Former official “baffled” by controversial Hull FC red card

When Hull FC look back on their defeat to Hull KR to start the 2024 Betfred Super League season one word will likely come to mind and that is ill-discipline.

They lost two players to red cards and a third to a yellow card in the game as they lost 22-0 to the Robins.

The first red card of the season went to new signing Franklin Pele with Sam Tomkins saying on Sky Sports: “It’s unforgivable. You know, no more, he’s going to pick up a hefty ban as well. It’s not just tonight that it affects his teammates. I think it’s a selfish play for him. I think it was probably frustration because he hadn’t been great. Apart from his skittling Tyrone May on his first carriage was pretty amusing. And Tyrone’s friend. But yeah, he hadn’t been great. I think it was frustration. But yeah, he hadn’t been great. I think it was frustration. He wants to make an impact, that’s just the wrong way to do it.”

Jon Wilkin added: “Well this is the red card of the 2024 1974 right this is the red card. It’s reckless, it’s soft, it’s a soft play and I’m talking, I’m not talking about toughness as in a mentally, I’m talking mentally weak decision from a guy who’s frustrated with his own performance. The speed of the game has passed him and he’s lashed out. Unforgivable.”

Richard Silverwood “baffled” by Hull FC red card

The second red went to Ligi Sao. The forward was subject to a facial from Matt Parcell which saw him sin binned but Sao was sent off for direct knees to the head in retaliation.

Former official Richard Silverwood said on X: “Baffled at that one I must say. Grabbing around the head is a yellow but knee to the head is a red? Surely both are equal?”

It will be interesting to see what the Match Review Panel say come Monday. Both sides could face nervous waits ahead of that.

Hull FC play Warrington Wolves next and Hull KR meet Leeds Rhinos next week in two big games.