Mailbox: Fans are turning their back on the game

Mailbox gives you the chance to get your voice heard and start the debate with the rugby league audience. Want to be featured? Email the editor: james@loverugbyleague.com

Dear editor,

Last week Eamon McManus criticised the standard of refereeing in the game. I have attached a photo of a tackle from last Friday’s game at St Helens (above). I believe this clearly shows a tackle which contacts the head and is therefore illegal. This was not the only one in the game which was not penalised nor is it restricted to this match.

Every week we see players getting their heads caught by high tackles and missed by the ref and the line judges. Yes fans are turning their backs on a game which is sad to say – poorly managed, forward passes, offside and players moving off the mark to play the ball

Line judges are a waste of time if they only police the line for out of play. The tackle I have sent you was in full view of the linesman. The RFL have a duty of care under the law to protect players from injury in such a physical game I hope they don’t come to regret their inaction in protecting players.

Your faithfully a former regular rugby league fan.

K Halsall

Editor’s comment: There are people who are in denial that fans are turning away from the game due to officiating, amongst other the things. The problem is, what’s the solution? I don’t think you can pull up every single instance, as referees have to make thousands of judgements per game, and given the speed the game is played at, I can see why some are missed. I’d like to see a second ref added and I think this would make a significant difference to a number of issues, particularly around the play the ball.

Mailbox gives you the chance to get your voice heard and start the debate with the rugby league audience. Want to be featured? Email the editor: james@loverugbyleague.com