Tomkins issues two finger salute

Sam Tomkins caused controversy in today’s Challenge Cup final when he issued a two finger salute towards the Leeds fans whilst celebrating Josh Charnley‘s try.

The incident was on full view live on BBC and was picked up by many fans on social networks and also by the BBC studio team, who acknowledged it wasn’t the sort of behaviour to expect from one of the game’s stars.

Many fans are calling for the RFL to look into the incident and issue an appropriate punishment to the youngster as this kind of behaviour is not what is needed from a role model in the sport. The RFL have not yet commented on the incident so it is currently unclear as to whether any further action will be taken.

Tomkins is not known to gesture to the crowd previously although he has always had a mixed reaction from fans as was demonstrated in the recent England v Exiles match where he was constantly booed when he had the ball in hand from the English crowd.

In spite of the gesture incidient early on in today’s match, the Wigan full back did have a big hand in the best try of the Challenge Cup final when he ran across the Leeds defence on his own 10 metre line before releasing his brother Joel who raced the length of the field to score.

Going into today’s game, Tomkins was odds-on favourite to pick up the Lance Todd Trophy, and whilst this was awarded to Jeff Lima, the full back was instrumental as Wigan ran out 28-18 winners in a game that was a lot closer than many expected.