Sky commentators praise Liam Moore for how he dealt with controversial tackle

The Wigan-Saints derby is always a fiery affair.

That was true yesterday with a few feisty moments in a game that was a real physical battle royal between potentially the best two teams around at the moment.

One moment came when Morgan Smithies took exception to a late tackle from Curtis Sironen when he was tipped over.

Stuart Pyke noted it as it caused a big of a confrontation:

“There is an accusation that he has lifted Morgan Smithies into a dangerous position and Smithies doesn’t like it.”

It left referee Liam Moore with a decision to make.

He could be heard on Sky Sports saying to the Wigan players:

“The ball is gone and he is late, he lands on his arms so in my opinion it is a penalty and I’m going to speak with him.”

He then said to Sironen:

“The ball is gone and what you do is unnecessary. Like Brad Singleton’s, it is careless in my opinion be very careful.”

Pyke thus praised this decision given that the game could have descended into more controversy had he chosen to brandish a card:

“I have got to say, very good refereeing by Liam Moore. Just using his common sense at time as he did there and with Brad Singleton before.”

Terry O’Connor added:

“He is one of the best especially the way he deals with players.”