Hull KR have been awarded an incredibly controversial try in their Super League semi-final against Warrington Wolves promoting fan outrage.
With Hull KR 4-0 up, Joe Burgess tried to dart over from dummy-half just a few yards from the line. Despite the ball appearing to be held up by several Warrington defenders, referee Liam Moore made the decision to award the try on-field before going to the video referee.
That meant that video referee Jack Smith had to find sufficient evidence to overturn the on-field decision, something that several camera angles could not confirm as a lengthy review took place.
The only thing that did appear evident was that Burgess was initially short but his momentum carried him over the line, although the ball could not be seen by that point.
With the on-field decision made to award Hull KR a try, Jack Smith could not overturn the call and therefore confirmed Liam Moore’s call which allowed the Robins to take a 10-0 lead in at the break, as opposed to a 4-0 one.
It’s a decision that was criticised by commentator Barrie McDermott, who explained: “For me, Hull KR have got one there that they shouldn’t. He was short, he was held up but it’s been given.
“I think they’ve rode their luck on that one. Warrington looked like they had done enough.”
McDermott’s view has now been upheld by plenty of fans online.
Fans react after Hull KR awarded controversial try
One of the leading voices in the Rugby League sphere on X (formerly Twitter) is former referee Richard Silverwood and he was one of those to react to the decision.
Silverwood posted: “Get rid of the live call. Nonsense. No way Liam Moore sees the ball on the line.”
Former player Leon Pryce shared his view, arguing: “Well, I’m not sure how you can go up to the video ref as a try when no one can see the ball, including the ref. It was just a guess.”
Pryce would go further, adding: “I don’t like ref bashing but that’s a massive call to give a try when no one can see the ball go down, especially in a semi-final.
“If the ref saw it touch down he would surely just award the try without going up to the video ref.
“Rule change desperately needed.”
Get rid of the live call. Nonsense. No way Liam Moore sees the ball on the line
— Richard Silverwood (@SilversRef) October 4, 2024
Well I’m not sure how you can go up to the video ref as a try when no one can see the ball, including the ref. It was just a guess.
— Leon Pryce (@leonpryce6) October 4, 2024
Anonymous
October 4, 2024 at 10:32 pm
Where was all this moaning about trys when Wigan was a MILE short of the try line in the WCC against Penrith! Suck it up buttercups ROVERS to Old Trafford 🔴⚪️🔴⚪️🤣
James Catterall
October 5, 2024 at 9:17 am
bot boy
Suchy77
October 4, 2024 at 10:32 pm
Where was all this moaning about trys when Wigan was a MILE short of the try line in the WCC against Penrith! Suck it up buttercups ROVERS to Old Trafford 🔴⚪️🔴⚪️🤣
James Catterall
October 5, 2024 at 9:18 am
bot boys