Features

“I’ve seen worse hits in the school playground” – how social media reacted to Tommy Makinson’s red card

by
Callum Walker
August 13, 2021

10,464 days; that’s how long it had been since Castleford last won a league game at St Helens.

That record was finally broken by the Tigers over 30 years later, with a superb 20-10 victory outlining the credentials of Daryl Powell’s men as we head into the business end of the season.

But, just how did social media react?

It seems that Twitter was very divided over whether Tommy Makinson should have been given a red card for his challenge on Niall Evalds.

Late contact to the head and no arms so under which rule book is that not a red card

— Simon Clemmitt (@Sclemm) August 12, 2021

Again, the opinion of two others differed greatly.

It's been the same all year . They've clamped down on late hits . Plus shoulder charges are banned .

— Scott (@Scottiger22) August 12, 2021

One neutral supporter did, however, give an impassioned defence of referee Ben Thaler for the decision.

It’s a shoulder to the head and it’s late.
Those questioning the call have no idea. We’ve got players retiring from the game due to concussion injuries… RL is finally moving with the times in this area, just be consistent is now the main thing.

— Neil Brook (@WhatNeilTweets) August 12, 2021

That was, however, contradicted by a different supporter.

Never a red, one of the worse refereeing performances I've seen

— Bradley Cooper (@bradleycoops97) August 12, 2021

Again, though, people were disagreeing down the timeline.

That's a red. No ifs or maybes. That's a red.

— Fatbelly 🇪🇺 💙💛 (@Fatbelly57) August 12, 2021

Bullshit decision

— Smudge (@stesmudge) August 12, 2021

One supporter went really quite far in his description of the incident.

Rugby league died a little more last night https://t.co/FctJh2QGf7

— Matt Hoodless (@Matmo80Matt) August 13, 2021

One supporter came up with an explanation for the card.

How can people argue that's not a red. It's late, head high, shoulder charge and no attempt to wrap the arms round. It's deliberate and dangerous play https://t.co/brbpZ6cg27

— Ben Dobson (@bendobson21) August 13, 2021

Sent off for that,I've seen worst hits in the school playground,and make any wonder people are getting put off by our sport,the game is officially dead https://t.co/WRwH3VjGcI

— James319 (@jimmywood3107) August 12, 2021