“The game will never grow whilst it’s run by clowns” – how social media reacted to Liam Watts’ upgraded ban

It’s been one of the most-talked about issues in the past week, but Liam Watts’ ban has been upgraded from one game to two, according to a ‘frivolous’ challenge of his grading. But, just how has social media reacted?

Watts himself got in on the act.

Not got me an extra game for the tweet. The tweets nothing to do with the ban. I’m allowed an opinion like anyone else! The suspension is a joke

— Liam Watts (@WATTSY7890) May 11, 2021

Some fan even saw it the funny side of it, comparing Watts’ reaction to a scene from the much-loved British TV series Max and Paddy’s Road to Nowhere.

Liam Watts: “What a joke the RFL are, the game is on its arse”
RFL: “Right were doubling your ban”
Liam Watts: pic.twitter.com/XzkY601Rps

— Michael Lavelle (@mikelavelle93) May 11, 2021

One Castleford fan was incredibly unhappy to say the least.

Seriously this is a piss take, the game is a joke. I'm on the verge of walking away from it.

— jonny haigh (@jonny120305) May 11, 2021

Another called for the Tigers to take things further.

Disgusting by RFL – they try to ensure players won’t appeal by increasing penalty!!! What a travesty, should not be a ban, surely there must be a higher authority, can we take it to the courts?

— Phil Thornton (@Philsno1) May 11, 2021

Another Twitter user criticised the RFL’s appeal process.

I'll say it again…
In a court of law everyone is entitled to an appeal.
If unsuccessful they don't have their sentence doubled!
This idea of a frivolous appeal goes against the very principles of due process in a criminal case.
This stinks. @TheRFL

— Mattcasfan (@mattcasfan) May 11, 2021

A different Castleford fan highlighted the inconsistency of the decision.

What a bunch of clowns. So I suppose @TheRFL will be recalling everyone who made a late tackle, dangerous or not, back to the board and dishing out bans in retrospect?

— Sara (@saralouise81) May 11, 2021

One particular supporter even believed the on-field punishment of a sinbin was too harsh.

Wasn’t even a yellow never mind 2 game ban

— casjack* (@casjacks) May 11, 2021

Another stressed the ridiculousness of the appeals process.

What’s the point of the appeals process if the punishment is increased? It was never a yellow to start with, penalty, yes. @TheRFL are a laughing stock.

— Charlotte (@lotslottie16) May 11, 2021

Another Twitter user attacked the RFL.

We don’t need anybody putting our game down the @TheRFL do it all by themselves little wonder rugby league is little more than amateur the game will never grow whilst it’s run by clowns 🤡

— sav (@Savplast60) May 11, 2021