Hull and Hull KR chairmen fined

Hull chairman Adam Pearson and Hull KR counterpart Neil Hudgell have both been fined £1,000 for publicly criticising the RFL’s disciplinary process.

Hudgell hit out at the RFL in a lengthy statement via the club’s website following the decision to give prop Justin Poore a three-match ban for a tackle during the win over Bradford, labelling the match review panel as “not fit for purpose”.

Meanwhile, Pearson described the panel as “only fit to judge BBC show Strictly Come Dancing” in his programme notes, after prop Mickey Paea was banned for two games for a tackle on Richard Owen.

The club released the video of the tackle on their social media channels following the incident, raising questions over the decision.

Both Pearson and Hudgell were found to be in breach of RFL Operational Rule D1.8(c) improper conduct, by engaging in conduct which is prejudicial to the interests of the game.

Hudgell has lodged an appeal, with a date of the Appeals Tribunal to be set shortly.