The decision to send off Huddersfield Giants’ winger Elliot Wallis has been universally criticised by those in the sport with the incident also drawing comparisons to football.
Wallis was shown red just before the hour mark with Huddersfield Giants trailing 18-0 against the visiting Salford Red Devils, but many were left questioning how a red card was justified.
After knocking on the yards out on the first tackle, Wallis appeared to take issue with Tim Lafai’s attempts to get the ball back and celebrate in the winger’s face.
Lafai then approached Wallis, who was retreating if anything, to square up to him but it was Wallis who made the initial head movement towards the Salford man.
The faintest of contact was made before Deon Cross then acted more aggressively than either man by shoving Wallis, causing a small melee, but it was the Huddersfield Giants’ winger who was shown red for his actions.
Sky Sports commentator Stuart Pyke argued: “I’m not sure he can have any complaints. It was head-to-head and you simply can’t do that.”
That was a view that the majority of fans have now disagreed with, Ian Watson even suggesting that Wallis, who joined the club ahead of the season, will not be banned when the Match Review Panel meet on Monday.
Huddersfield Giants’ red card receives huge fan backlash
Credit: Imago Images
Strangely enough, the red card seemed to kickstart Huddersfield Giants who would go on to score three tries and almost mount the comeback but the missed kick on their first score ultimately cost Ian Watson’s side.
Tries from that man Adam Swift, Tui Lolohea and Jake Bibby saw the Giants almost land a famous comeback but Salford edged the game out 18-16.
Watson was somewhat reserved when speaking about the matter, clearly trying to toe the line and avoid any repercussions for condemning the decision. Despite that, he did claim that he doesn’t believe the Match Review Panel will have anything to consider.
Speaking post-match, Watson said: “I’m going to leave that for some Match Review Panel to have a look at because I don’t think he’ll be getting anything from it.”
They were the thoughts of many other fans with the footage initially shared online by @sky_rugby alongside laughing emojis stating: “A red card for this! Rugby is getting worse than football.”
Sky Sports Rugby League also shared the footage, which can be seen in the embedded post at the bottom of the article, and that saw another fan respond in similar fashion.
They argued: “That’s a dreadful decision. It wouldn’t even be a red in football”, with the majority of the 34 responses to the footage echoing similar sentiments.
“There for everybody to see” – Ian Watson tight-lipped on controversial red card
Credit: Imago Images
Watson wasn’t forthcoming in criticism of the incident but he was eager to defend his player, labelling it as a “learning curve” for the Huddersfield Giants’ youngster, before revealing how Wallis had reacted post-match.
He explained: “It’s a learning curve for Elliot, Elliot’s a young kid, a young winger coming through and he’s going to learn, he’s going to get better mate. All I can say is the more he plays, the more he’ll learn.
“I just spoke with him, he’s actually just had a look at the incident with me in there. To say he’s upset at it or doesn’t think it’s the right call is fair, it’s there for everybody to see.”
“Sometimes we’re banging on that we want the video referee to input. In this one, he should have a clearer view because he’s got a lot more angles to look at, so you want him to play a part.
“I don’t know what he’s seen. I’ll agree that both heads come together but if that’s being classed as a headbutt I don’t know.”
Wallis could find himself facing a ban, something Watson doesn’t believe will happen, but if he does then he’ll join the long list of Super League players to be banned this season.
Elliot Wallis sees red!🟥
Head over to YouTube and catch the highlights Huddersfield v Salford
👇https://t.co/wYhPKhu26U pic.twitter.com/tTYEgYteb1— Sky Sports Rugby League (@SkySportsRL) May 4, 2024
