Super League

“Need to do something about these yellow cards, it’s getting embarrassing now” – how social media reacted to the semi-final play-offs

by
Callum Walker
October 3, 2021

This weekend’s games caused a lot of controversy for one reason only: the amount of yellow cards that had been dished out.

Referee Chris Kendall sent four players to the sinbin in St Helens’ 36-8 victory over Leeds Rhinos on Friday night, whilst Liam Moore sent Tom Holmes to the bin for a yellow card for a push in the back of a Halifax player in Featherstone Rovers’ demolition of the Panthers yesterday afternoon.

And, it’s safe to say, the rugby league fraternity weren’t very happy.

Castleford Tigers’ Jake Trueman was one of the most outspoken against the yellow card handed to Holmes.

Need to do something about these yellow cards, it’s getting embarrassing now. pic.twitter.com/UIC42qdT1b

— Jake Trueman (@JT6Trueman) October 2, 2021

That sentiment was echoed by the fans themselves.

Get a grip of these pathetic decisions @RFLReferees @TheRFL https://t.co/qBvzMSUxrV

— Chris Hammond 🍒⚪ (@wally_1911) October 2, 2021

One fan pointed out that the NRL had punished tackles exactly the same until supporters voted with their feet.

NRL starting doing this around 8 weeks into the season. They soon stopped when fans threaten to boycott the sport.

— CRAIG MARTIN (@CRAIGMARTIN16) October 2, 2021

Jackson Hastings also contributed with two emojis that said it all.

😳🤦🏼‍♂️

— Jackson Hastings (@JackoHastings) October 2, 2021

One Salford fan believed that Championship referees should have been given the chance to officiate instead.

https://twitter.com/fan_salford/status/1444351253115461636?s=20

Another supporter even called such yellow cards as ‘ludicrous.’

Plenty of these yellow cards that are getting dished out presently are ludicrous.
But the referees will say that they are simply abiding by the rules set out by the governing body?
The majority of contact sports are clearly shitting themselves awaiting for future law suit cases

— 🦈 Sharkey 🦈 (@sh4rkster) October 2, 2021

Another also laid the blame at commentators for egging such punishments on.

Doesn’t help that commentators are ‘all for it’ not even sure that’s a penalty.. I get the late forceful hits, fair enough .. but this was barely late and certainly wasn’t a ‘forceful’ hit..

— Rob Kirk (@jimjakjones) October 2, 2021

One believed that rugby league was going too far.