Why Castleford Tigers star was controversially red carded

Wigan Warriors have had two near misses with potential red cards in the first half against Castleford Tigers.

First Kaide Ellis made contact with the head but was only penalised rather following the likes of Herman Ese’ese, Franklin Pele and Ryan Brierley who have all been shown cards for the infringements.

In the cases of Hull FC star Ese’ese against Hull KR and Brierley for Salford Red Devils against Leeds Rhinos, mitigating factors saw them avoid red cards.

However, Ellis had so many mitigating factors he didn’t even receive a yellow. This was because Castleford star Luke Hooley slipped and Ellis’ back was bent. This meant Tom Grant didn’t give any card.

However, Wigan star Harry Smith would soon find himself sin binned for a tip tackle even though there was another slip involved.

This was why he avoided a red but due to his “duty of care” he received a yellow. Making matters worse, new signing Luke Thompson has been ruled out of the game with a failed Head Injury Assessment.

But things went their way when Liam Watts was sent off due to “direct contact with the head.” Tom Grant explained: “It’s forceful and dangerous.”

Castleford Tigers star follows recent trend

In the big opener between Hull FC and Hull KR, Herman Ese’ese was the first player to feel the wrath of the new rules for a high shot when he was sin binned.

Then Franklin Pele felt the full force as he was sent off for a swinging arm. Ligi Sao was also sent off and Matt Parcell was sin binned.

In the game at Headingley, Ryan Brierley was sin binned for a high tackle on good friend Brodie Croft whilst over at the game between Leigh Leopards and Huddersfield Giants Ricky Leutele was win binned for a late hit. John Asiata was also shown a yellow.

After Momirovski’s dismissal, Amir Bourouh of Salford became the nineth player carded.

At the Jungle now we have now seen a further two cards.