McManus fined for programme comments

St Helens’ chairman Eamonn McManus has been fined a total of £3,000 following comments made in the club’s match programme after the Challenge Cup defeat to Warrington Wolves. 

McManus made comments in the match programme in their Super League home game to Castleford Tigers on August 30, commenting on referee Robert Hickes and his officiating of the final at Wembley.

£1,000 of the fine has been suspended until the end of the 2020 season.

Karen Moorhouse, RFL Chief Regulatory Officer, said: “Match officials are hardworking, impartial, and deserving of respect and support. Theirs is a difficult job and without them there is no game.

“Through the Enjoy the Game campaign we encourage professional clubs to set an example for the rest of the sport, to support the recruitment and retention of match officials, and to promote the mental and physical wellbeing of match officials alongside that of players and coaches.

“We will be working with clubs to reinforce the importance of the Enjoy the Game campaign during the off-season.”