Betts hit with fine

The RFL have confirmed that Widnes coach Denis Betts has been fined £500, following his recent comments about referee Joe Cobb in the wake of his team’s defeat to Wakefield.

Betts has also been warned as to his future conduct. Half of the fine has been suspended until the end of the 2017 season, and the coach will have to pay it if he breaches any further operational rules.

An RFL statement reads:

“Betts was found to have breached RFL Operational Rule D1.1 (b) Improper Conduct (engages in conduct which is prejudicial to the interests of the Game or which is improper) and Operational Rule C2.11 Criticism of Official (make any public statement written which contains criticism of the character of a Match Official or criticism of the manner in which a Match Official had officiated at a Match).”

Betts has 14 days in which to submit an appeal.