Leigh Centurions owner Derek Beaumont hits out at UFC fighter for ‘disrespect’

Last week, UFC fighter Tom Aspinall created quite the stir when he had his opinion on rugby league.

Though acknowledging the game’s toughness, he was quick to point out that he would excel in the sport.

“I’ve been involved in rugby a little bit myself,” Aspinall told the Rugby League World Cup podcast.

“I still make time to watch it and I enjoy it as I’m a big supporter of any contact sport where you’ve got to put your body and your mind on the line – I like that kind of stuff.

“I’d gladly have a game. I guarantee if I get the ball and I ran at someone full blast, they’re not going to stop me.

“If I get a ball and I’m running at a rugby player who doesn’t know the stuff I know about grappling, I guarantee you they won’t get me to the floor.”

Now, though, Leigh Centurions owner Derek Beaumont – who is one of the most outspoken chairman in the sport – has hit back at Aspinall for his comments.

Beaumont tweeted: “What by disrespecting it that’s not getting anyone interested it’s bigging yourself up! Far harder men and better fighters played rugby than you could fight on a field let alone carry a ball. Total disrespect attempting to mask it with further disrespect! Snow flake ha ha”

What by disrespecting it that’s not getting anyone interested it’s bigging yourself up! Far harder men and better fighters played rugby than you could fight on a field let alone carry a ball. Total disrespect attempting to mask it with further disrespect! Snow flake ha ha 😂😂 https://t.co/0IZMbGXcZ9

— Derek John Beaumont (@derek_beaumont) September 16, 2022

To be fair to the duo, they had a few laughs following that, with Aspinall replying: “It’s just banter, chill out mate. Don’t be too offended. Hope you’re ok.”

Fair enough! Nowt wrong with banter then Tom! All good here. Let me know if you fancy coming down watching the lads in the final be good for the town see you supporting the club. 👍🏉

— Derek John Beaumont (@derek_beaumont) September 17, 2022