Liam Marshall remarkably cited by Match Review Panel for referee getting in his way

It took a while for the usually free scoring Wigan Warriors to get into gear against Castleford Tigers on Friday.

However, part of this was down to Tom Grant who accidentally got in the way of Liam Marshall as he tore through the centre of the pitch.

In the end it didn’t matter that he stopped a certain try as Marshall went on to score a hat trick making it eight in three games to start the season.

Speaking after the game, coach Matt Peet oddly said he expected moments like this:

“Those are the sort of moments we were expecting. Balls on the pitch, questionable decisions and referees getting under their feet. But it’s all about how we reacted, I thought today was first class.”

💬 MP on the Liam Marshall referee collision: "Those are the sort of moments we were expecting. Balls on the pitch, questionable decisions and referees getting under their feet. But it’s all about how we reacted, I thought today was first class.”#WWRL #SLCASWIG

— Wigan Warriors 🍒⚪️ (@WiganWarriorsRL) March 3, 2023

Bizarrely despite not being at fault what so ever, the incident was sited by the Match Review Panel.

It is to be expected given that “contact with the match official” is an offence and that is what he was charged for.

The incident of course did not yield a ban with the panel stating in the minutes:

Player has broken the line. The referee comes into his path. Player puts arm out to
minimise contact.

Following the latest round of Betfred Super League fixtures, the Match Review Panel have issued the following sanctions:

Shaun Kenny-Dowall (Hull KR)- Grade E Unnecessary contact with Player who is or maybe injured – Refer to Tribunal
Ben Reynolds (Leigh Leopards) – Grade D Dangerous Contact – 2 Match Penalty Notice and £250 fine
Sione Matautia (St Helens) – Grade C Dangerous Contact – 2 Match Penalty Notice
Konrad Hurrell (St Helens) – Grade C Strikes – 2 Match Penalty Notice
Curtis Sironen (St Helens) – Grade B Dangerous Contact – 1 Match Penalty Notice
Sam Walters (Leeds Rhinos) – Grade B Shoulder Charge – £250 fine
Sauaso Sue (Hull KR) – Grade B Dangerous Contact – £250 fine
Jordan Crowther (Wakefield Trinity) – Grade B Dangerous Contact – £250 fine
Liam Watts (Castleford Tigers) – Grade A Dangerous Contact – £250 fine
Edwin Ipape (Leigh Leopards) – Grade A Dangerous Contact – £250 fine
Tyler Dupree (Salford Red Devils) – Grade A High Tackle – No further action
The following player has received a caution:

Sam Eseh (Wakefield Trinity) – Dangerous Contact