Catalans add to disciplinary process criticism

Drew Darbyshire

Catalans are the latest club to criticise the Rugby Football League’s disciplinary process.

Earlier this week, Wakefield chief executive Michael Carter issued a strongly-worded statement condemning the RFL’s match review panel for “random charges” against Ryan Hampshire, Joe Arundel and St Helens forward Sione Mata’utia following last week’s game at Belle Vue.

READ: Wakefield chief blasts disciplinary process

And now Catalans general manager Alex Chan has released a statement in support of Carter’s comments following James Maloney’s two-match suspension he picked up in their win over Leeds last Friday.

In a statement on the club’s website, Chan wrote: “After leaving the stadium on Tuesday night from the hearing, again I felt deflated and empty.

“I sometimes question whether it’s just me feeling wronged by certain systems in place within our game, but after reading Michael Carter’s blog (CEO of Wakefield), where he explains his dismay, confusion, and disappointment, I now know I am not the only one feeling like this.

“I reflect back to the hearing and previous others in the last 16 or so months, about so many things. One thing that stands out to me the most is, how is it that we are in a multimedia generation with so many modes and tools with artificial intelligence and programs to bring all aspects of television almost to life with 3D imaging etc… do we then go into a hearing and have video evidence, (which can determine something for the better or for the worse), be of such a low standard, or even times where you cannot have some video angles accessible because it isn’t available to be uploaded in time during a hearing? Then to be later told that we should have submitted our video evidence if we wanted to use as a part of the defence… Were we being too presumptuous to think that all angles would be available of the same incident in a hearing?

“I again agree with Michael, that we are losing matches through various factors already. There are players, clubs and supporters getting frustrated and are losing confidence in an inconsistent and sometimes questionable system, which threatens the integrity of our game. We are many in hope, that the current disparities are regulated, and a clearer vision for all to better understand.

“We host Leeds Rhinos tomorrow and look forward to being back home in our coliseum, in front of our loyal supporters and families.”

Maloney and Joel Tomkins will serve the first of their two-match bans in Friday night’s home game against Leeds.

Super League Alex Chan