Leigh Leopards forward defends John Asiata following death threats

We are now four days out from Leigh Leopards historic 12-10 victory over St Helens in the Challenge Cup semi-final at the Halliwell Jones Stadium – however the fallout from the match continues with Leigh’s John Asiata at the centre of tackle storm.

Asiata was criticised by Paul Wellens in a press conference yesterday, with the Saints boss unhappy that the Leopards star escaped any punishment from the RFL’s Match Review Panel for several tackles during the game which caused knee injuries to four St Helens players.

Two of those injured, Agnatius Paasi and Alex Walmsley, have now been ruled out for the rest of the season, with Paasi expected to be sidelined for the next nine months with a ruptured ACL – a huge blow for both player and club.

The news has brought further criticism the way of Asiata, however the Leopards star has been defended by many in the media and fans on social media for a tackle technique which has caused great debate – with many siding with the Match Review Panel in seeing the tackle as legal.

Unfortunately, as with many debates these days on social media, things have been taken out of hand with Asiata and his family subject to abuse and death threats following Saturday’s final – something his teammate Tom Amone has addressed on his Twitter account.

Very unfortunate what happened on the weekend.

I hope the saints boys have a speedy recovery.

But no matter what will always have my tokos back!

Just remember before you key board warriors start sending threats to him he has a beautiful family that see that stuff! pic.twitter.com/bLRNb9bdSo

— Tom Amone (@tomamone13) July 25, 2023

“Very unfortunate what happened on the weekend. I hope the Saints boys have a speedy recovery. But no matter what will always have my tokos back! Just remember before you keyboard warriors start sending threats to him he has a beautiful family that see that stuff,” Amone Tweeted.

One of those who has defended Asiata is former Super League referee Richard Silverwood, with the ex-official stating in a series of tweets that the tackle, though far from perfect, was legal and that Wellens’ criticism of the incident is wide of the mark.

Silverwood also pitched in to defend Asiata too, responding to Amone’s Tweet, stating: “Disgraceful. I’d love to see those sending these messages actually stand in front of John Asiata and say what they have to say……no, didn’t think so.”