Referees boss admits to ‘clear error’ in Wigan Warriors’ controversial win over Castleford Tigers

The Rugby Football League’s head of referees has accepted that there was a “clear error” made in the Wigan Warriors and Castleford Tigers’ game.

Phil Bentham is the man in charge of the refereeing group and he’s confirmed that a ‘clear error’ was made during Saturday night’s game at Wheldon Road.

It was an error that outraged fans of all clubs, not just Castleford Tigers’ fans, with plenty of Wigan Warriors’ fans admitting that it was an obvious error.

Wigan Warriors won a captain’s challenge after it had seemingly been ruled that Tyler Dupree knocked on when reclaiming the ball. The ball had initially been knocked backwards by Harry Smith and then kicked on by Castleford’s Josh Simm as he raced to collect it, however, the winger was pulled back by Smith.

Video referee Aaron Moore did not see it the same way, ruling that there was ‘nothing in that’ despite Simm being span around as he was pulled back in the chase for the ball. The captain’s challenge was successful which gave Wigan the ball and they scored from the very next set, something that proved crucial in a 26-20 game.

Wigan Warriors man should have been penalised as ‘clear error’ accepted

That decision by Aaron Moore has now been confirmed to have been incorrect with head of referees Phil Bentham releasing a brief statement on the decision.

“It’s important that the sport knows we do accept accountability when there’s been a clear error,” said Bentham.

“We will continue to work, week in, week out, in detail to avoid these errors in decision-making.”

That will be of little solace to Castleford Tigers who don’t have any points to make up for the error, something which clearly did change the course of the game.

One man who was appalled by the call was Castleford head coach Danny McGuire who spoke passionately in his post-match interview on Sky Sports.

“Everyone in the ground can see it’s a penalty,” McGuire told Sky Sports when asked about the call. “I can’t see why they can’t see it’s a penalty.

“Everyone can see Josh Simm gets pulled back, what are they looking for? I don’t know what they’re looking for.

“I don’t get it. I don’t get the officiating. I don’t get the captain’s challenge. I don’t get some of the things that happen in the game. It’s bewildering. The standard of officiating is getting worse.