Super League club to be investigated after controversial incident

After their defeat to Wigan Warriors, there was an understandable unhappiness at Leigh Leopards.

This was partly down to the fact they had now lost their first ever home play off game and had to go away to Hull KR in the play offs after missing out on fourth spot to the Robins because of the defeat.

The defeat was controversial with Oliver Gildart having a try disallowed. Then after the game there was a problem between Sky Sports and Leigh regarding an interview with Sky Sports.

This is set to be investigated by the RFL as is the footage that emerged of Derek Beaumont after the game on social media.

He was captured saying: “I’ll put it out there because unfortunately this is not an investable sport anymore to me, which is obviously very concerning.

“So unless it changes, I won’t be investing in it any further and I’m sorry to say that in here but when my wife comes up to me and says ‘I’ve had enough’.

“She sees the pain and the emailing all night till midnight and me kids saying ‘I just want to tell you I’m going to bed’ whilst I text Robert back about being fined 15 grand for a pitch invasion at St Helens.

“I haven’t the energy for it. I’ve had enough, we’ve got this (points to Challenge Cup trophy), it’s been brilliant, but for me, unless the game changes and unless the outcome is decided by athletes and coaches, I can’t be involved in it anymore.

“That’s where it’s at and that’s how serious it is, hopefully the game can change but I’ll leave you on a positive. You’ve met my American friends and my South African friends. They’ve got more money than the whole of what Sky give for the game in three years than they could drop out their arse end in a week.

“So maybe what you will see is me step out of this charade and set up a proper, super league, called ‘Ultimate Rugby’ with proper rugby players, where it’s not decided by the referees, it’s decided by the athletes because that’s the only alternative.

“We won’t need a broadcaster that stands my coach down and says, ‘oh we’re not going to interview you now because we’re just going to do the presentation so we’ll speak to you after that’. Is that not disrespectful in the highest order?