“He is an experienced professional and should know better” – how social media reacted to Luke Gale’s ban

It’s almost certainly been one of the most-talked about news items of the recent past, with Luke Gale’s two-match ban for contact with the referee coming as a surprise for many rugby league fans. But, just how did social media react?

One supporter professed that any contact with the referee is wrong and should be punished.

Sorry mate but your wrong. Any physical contact with the referee has always been heavily punished in Rugby League even at amateur. Gale was in the wrong. He is an experienced professional and should know better. It's a cast iron rule any kid learns "you dont touch the ref"

— Bill (@highamnoone) August 4, 2021

That sentiment was echoed by another fan.

Absolutely the correct decision.
Any player should know that pushing the referee is, and always has been, categorically wrong.

— John Sheridan (@SheridanX111) August 3, 2021

Two supporters compared rugby league to football.

This isn’t football, you can’t lay hands on the ref, correct decision he should know better

— andy (@andy70984405) August 3, 2021

Not soccer. You do NOT touch the referee. Not EVER.

— Mark Hinman (@HinmanMark) August 3, 2021

Another highlighted Gale’s past indiscretions of a similar nature.

Isn't this about the 3rd time he's been pulled for it though. Twice at Cas if I remember rightly?

— The Rhubarb Trin Angle (@WolloWolloWayoo) August 3, 2021

However, there were some very strong opinions that dismissed the ban.

Still struggling to see what Gale’s done wrong…

— _uptherams (@uptherams3) August 3, 2021

Jesus thats a shocker. How on earth that warrants a two game ban is beyond me

— Jess Foxley-Brookes (@Jessfoxleyxo) August 3, 2021

One fan believed Chris Kendall should not have put himself in the middle.

I understand that he shouldn’t of touched the referee, but I felt it was the referees fault as he put himself in direct contact with Gales actions

— Callum Paul Taylor (@callumptaylor) August 4, 2021

Another supporter believed it was just a laugh between Gale and George Williams.

https://twitter.com/john_hirst/status/1422652179576500229?s=20

Another highlighted the disparity between this and a ban incurred for a “dangerous throw”.