McDermott blasts RFL disciplinary

Harlequins boss Brian McDermott has criticised the RFL disciplinary committee over the punishment handed out to Paul Sykes for a tackle on Oliver Wilkes last Friday.

Sykes was fined £300 and banned for two matches after being found guilty of a dangerous throw on Wilkes during Quins’ 35-18 victory at Twickenham Stoop last weekend, but McDermott believes the ban is no where near enough.

The former Bradford prop said: “Whoever sat on that disciplinary hearing clearly does not understand what is and is not dangerous in today’s game.

“Do we really have to wait until someone is intentionally put in a wheelchair before we stop classifying spear tackles as on a par with a mis-timed head-high challenge or two men letting their emotions spill over into a punch up?

“Two of these offences will bust your lip or break a nose at worst. One will break your spine and ruin your life. However, judging by the punishment handed out last night, no one would know the difference. Where is the deterrant?

“In the past maybe fear of reprieve from the judiciary has kept some silent about such irregular punishments. But to keep quiet and take this without comment is wrong.”