BBC Sports Pundits Hit Out at Challenge Cup Final Sin-Binnings
In the highly anticipated 2023 Challenge Cup final at Wembley, BBC’s rugby league pundits Brian Noble and Jonathan Davies were left perplexed by the controversial sin-binnings of Wigan’s Mike Cooper and Warrington’s Matt Dufty in the opening minutes of the match.
Cooper was shown a yellow card within the first two minutes, with referee Chris Kendall deeming the Wigan prop’s tackle on Josh Thewlis to have used excessive force. Davies immediately voiced his disapproval, stating, >”I can’t believe this is happening. That is ridiculous. He’s going down and it’s a harsh penalty.”
Noble echoed Davies’ sentiments, arguing, >”The referee reflected there’s force in that. Of course there is! He’s trying to stop the bloke come the other way.”
The controversy continued when Warrington fullback Dufty was also sin-binned for a high tackle on Liam Marshall. Davies criticized the decision, saying, >”You can’t do tit-for-tat. If one is yellow, the other one might not be yellow. Purely because of the first decision, the referee is going to do the same.”
Noble remained steadfast in his assessment, stating, >”Both yellow cards are wrong for me. It’s the start of a game, there’s no foul play is intended. He’s gone over his head.. keep players on the field.”
The early sin-binnings certainly had an impact on the match, with Warrington taking a 2-0 lead while the two players were off the field. The BBC pundits’ strong reactions highlight the divisive nature of the referee’s decisions and the ongoing debates surrounding player safety and fair play in rugby league.
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