Rugby League fans split over Tommy Makinson red card v Hull KR

St Helens were hammered 42-6 by Hull KR yesterday but one of the biggest talking points among rugby league fans after the game revolved around Tommy Makinson’s late red card.

The Saints winger was sent off with just five minutes of the game to go after making shoulder-to-head contact with KR’s Tyrone May, although the incident was not initially flagged.

Referee Chris Kendall didn’t blow for a penalty and Tyrone May even got up and played the ball before time was called and video referee Ben Thaler began advising on the incident.

As he flashed the red card, Chris Kendall explained: “You’re bolt upright, it’s shoulder direct to head and there is no mitigation”, marking the second time that the winger had been sent off this season.

The Match Review Panel will determine any guilt and whether a ban is to follow, however, fans are split on the incident with plenty adamant that there was nothing wrong with the tackle, whilst others have called for a lengthy ban.

Rugby League fans split over St Helens star’s red card

Sky Sports shared footage of the incident as they labelled it “controversial” and it certainly seems to have split opinion among fans on social media.

Chris Kendall was praised by former Super League referee Richard Silverwood, who had been his critic last week, with Silverwood posting: “Critical of him last week but given the guidelines now this is the correct decision. You jam in upright you run the risk. That’s twice now for Makinson.”

Critical of him last week but given the guidelines now this is the correct decision. You jam in upright you run the risk. That’s twice now for Makinson https://t.co/eadkQFiuYl

— Richard Silverwood (@SilversRef) August 24, 2024

Others agreed with another posting: “It’s not controversial for me. Jump into a tackle both feet off the ground and make contact with the head with the shoulder is asking for trouble.”

“Sorry but that is a red card every day of the week!! Spot on from Chris Kendall,” argued another fan.

Others had issues with how the red card unfolded with Tyrone May having already played the ball and seemingly said that he was fine.

One fan posted: “So Kendall stopped the game to check on May even tho he said he was fine & wanted to play on. But because of that stoppage the video ref looked at the tackle & now Makinson has been sent off.”

So Kendall stopped the game to check on May even tho he said he was fine & wanted to play on. But because of that stoppage the video ref looked at the tackle & now Makinson has been sent off 🤣🤣🤣

— DeanC_2024 (@DeanC_2024) August 24, 2024

Several claimed that they were unhappy with how the game was going if incidents like Makinson’s were to be punished with a red card.

“I’m disliking the game more and more as the season goes on, this isn’t the game I fell in love with as a kid,” posted one.

Another added: “I’m struggling with the game is going. 12 months ago this was a perfect tackle. Well timed. Ball and all. Now it’s a red. Hopefully the mega profits made at Magic weekend covers some decent insurance next season.”