“RIP Rugby League” – ex-official shocked as footage emerges of Kallum Watkins high tackle

Former Leeds Rhinos star and current Salford Red Devils skipper Kallum Watkins will miss the club’s crucial clash with Warrington Wolves in the play off race live on Channel 4 this Sunday.

This is because he received a ban for a high tackle against Wigan Warriors which will see him sit out the game.

The club appealed this decision on Tuesday night and repeated this action on Wednesday. They failed both times.

Now footage has emerged of the supposed tackle and in response to it former official Richard Silverwood has simply said: “RIP Rugby League.”

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 RIP Rugby League https://t.co/6T5LoD9vTL

— Richard Silverwood (@SilversRef) September 7, 2023

Earlier on Wednesday made the following statement:

“Following yesterday’s Tribunal, we can confirm that the club is appealing the rejected challenge on Kallum Watkins’ Grade B ‘High Tackle’.

“The 32-year-old was handed a one-match ban on Monday and yesterday’s challenge to the grading was rejected.

“Although, it was not found to be frivolous – meaning the one-match suspension and £500 fine imposed by the Match Review Panel both currently stand.”

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

Bevan French (Wigan Warriors) – Grade B Dangerous Throw – £250 Fine

Oliver Partington (Salford Red Devils) – Grade A Dangerous Throw – £250 Fine

Oliver Partington (Salford Red Devils) – Grade B High Tackle – 1 Match Penalty Notice

Ryan Brierley (Salford Red Devils) – Grade B Other Contrary Behaviour – £250 Fine

Kallum Watkins (Salford Red Devils) – Grade B High Tackle – 1 Match Penalty Notice

King Vuniyayawa (Salford Red Devils) – Grade B High Tackle – 1 Match Penalty Notice

King Vuniyayawa (Salford Red Devils) – Grade B Dangerous Contact – 1 Match Penalty Notice

Chris McQueen (Huddersfield Giants) – Grade A Dangerous Contact – Not Applicable

George Williams (Warrington Wolves) – Grade A Dangerous Contact – Not Applicable

Jacob Miller (Castleford Tigers) – Grade C Dangerous Throw – 1 Match Penalty Notice

Jake Clifford (Hull FC) – Grade C Other Contrary Behaviour – 1 Match Penalty Notice

David Fusitu’a (Leeds Rhinos) – Grade A Dangerous Contact – Not Applicable

Konrad Hurrell (St Helens) – Grade B Dangerous Contact – 1 Match Penalty Notice

Eddie Battye (Wakefield Trinity) – Grade A Dangerous Contact – Not Applicable

Moses Mbye (St Helens) – Grade A Contact with Match Official – Not Applicable

Lewis Dodd (St Helens) – Grade B Other Contrary Behaviour – £250 Fine

Gregg McNally (Oldham) – Grade B Trip – £40 Fine

The following players have received a caution:

David Fusitu’a (Leeds Rhinos) – Raising knee in tackle

Kai Pearce-Paul (Wigan Warriors) – Dangerous Throw