Social media went crazy over one incident in Warrington’s win over Leigh last night.
In the fifth minute, Sitaleki Akauola carried the ball with incredible gumption towards the Leigh line. Tyrone McCarthy was in the firing line with the collision reverberating around the Halliwell Jones Stadium.
Opinion was actually divided over whether the Warrington forward should have been punished.
There were those that believed Akauola had committed a foul.
https://twitter.com/JHart1865/status/1408141391813877760?s=20
He wasn’t alone in the debate.
Why are you promoting this? It isn't good play. It should be outlawed, or the defenders should be allowed the chance to do that too. Deliberate attack to the head.
— Saddened! (@rlfansSaddened) June 24, 2021
Someone even called for a red card.
Why is a shoulder charge to the head acceptable in attack, but a red card in defence??
— Alison Kellett (@Alikellett) June 24, 2021
Another echoed those sentiments.
https://twitter.com/CBazza007/status/1408151805738037249?s=20
Another brought attention to it as a shoulder charge.
Shoulder charge 🤷🏻♂️
— NeilMc (@neilmckeown4600) June 24, 2021
Someone else questioned the legality too.
Was that not a shoulder charge
— Karen 🇮🇪⚫️⚪️ (@karenjellis) June 24, 2021
Another fan highlighted that opponents can’t defend with a shoulder, so why should an attacker?
We as a sport are trying to stop concussions but allow attackers to turn into a tackle to protect themselves but penalise a defender for doing the same..?? Let both or not at all cos more concussions will happen otherwise
— Lee longbottom (@LeeLongbottom) June 24, 2021
That opinion was shared by more supporters.
However, it’s fair to say that there was a vociferous crowd on the other side of the argument.
Some people need to learn the rules, seriously is this your first time watching RL? Brilliant run
— Aaron Mahoney 🇬🇧 (@AaronMahoney86) June 24, 2021
Three others blamed McCarthy for his tackle technique.
That's how you take a ball in 😤 Good to see Tyrone could leave the field under his own steam albeit a little wobbly, i am sure Tyrone will position himself better next time. (Like on the wing)
— Oldham St Anne's u18 2021 (@OldhamU16) June 25, 2021
Dont get the outrage McCarthy has ages to get in a better position to tackle
— Sam Jones (@JONESYLFC6) June 24, 2021
All these fans of other clubs, saying shoulder charge, if it was walmsley, Satae or a player of your club it’s fine, he’s ran the ball in hard and used his bumper, McCarthy got his head in the wrong place, go and watch tennis or cricket, just hope the ball isn’t hit too hard
— Liam Smith (@LiamSmiths7) June 24, 2021
Another couldn’t see any problem with it.
I’m sorry but if you think that is foul play you’re better off watching soccer or yawnion!
— Mr Williams (@paulwillow99) June 24, 2021
Likewise.
Can’t be penalised for a shoulder charge as attacking player, good drive in. Nothing wrong with it 👍
— Charlie Holden (@Charlie61430377) June 24, 2021
Another shrugged the tackle off completely.
Nothing wrong with it, class carry.
— Kieran Hull Fc⚫️⚪️⚫️⚪️ (@Kieran97800163) June 25, 2021
