Luke Gale in trouble – here’s why

It was revealed yesterday that former Man of Steel Luke Gale, alongside Leeds Rhinos and Hull FC stars, was in trouble with the RFL over a social media post.

The former Castleford Tigers and England halfback returned to Super League with Wakefield Trinity this year after a brief stint with Keighley Cougars earlier this year.

However, he has now been punished for comments made about officials.

Three Super League players, and two head coaches, have been fined for recent breaches of the Operational Rules relating to criticism of match officials.

Luke Gale of Wakefield Trinity, Sam Lisone of Leeds Rhinos and Jake Trueman of Hull FC have each been fined £500, with £250 suspended until the end of the 2024 season, for breaching Operational Rules D1:1 (b) – Improper Conduct, and C2.10 – Behaviour Standards.

In each case, the criticism appeared on social media.

Letters to the players include the following explanation: “Please be aware that your position in the game as a Super League player clearly gives you significant standing within the sport and you should be more considered when discussing such matters.”

Salford’s head coach Paul Rowley has been fined £4,000 – £2,500 of which is suspended until the end of the 2024 season – for his comments following the Betfred Super League fixture against St Helens on August 6.

Huddersfield’s head coach Ian Watson has been fined £500, suspended until the end of the 2024 season, for his comments following a Betfred Super League fixture at St Helens on August 13.

Turning back to Gale, it is likely his ban is for the following tweet:

“Terrible call, what are we doing?”

What a terrible call. What are we doing 🤯

— Luke Gale (@snozzer_gale) August 12, 2023

This was in reference to a yellow card awarded to Elliot Minchella in the Challenge Cup Final.

In a historic Challenge Cup Final being the first without Leeds Rhinos, Wigan Warriors, Warrington Wolves and St Helens since 1986, Minchella made unwanted history becoming the first player sin binned in a cup final since 2001 and the first to be yellow carded at the new Wembley.

Chris Kendall was the official who yellow carded the former Leeds Rhinos loose forward after late contact with Ben Reynolds in a moment that divided opinion and has likely landed him in trouble.