Harry Newman's father has taken to social media to launch a scathing attack on the Rugby Football League. The Leeds Rhinos star was given a three-match ban on Tuesday evening after the Super League club failed in an appeal to get his initial two-game suspension for aggressive behaviour towards a match official reduced.
Instead, an independent tribunal considered Leeds' appeal frivolous, adding an extra game to the suspension instead. It left many Rhinos supporters stunned - including Newman's father, Tony.
He posed on social media about his shock over Newman's increased suspension, even going as far to suggest that if it were him, he'd walk away from the game and return to rugby union - the sport Newman played as a youngster - or head for the NRL. He added that rugby league is 'being destroyed' by the governing body.
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"Well I'm lost for words," Newman's post in a private supporters group began. "I do not condone my son's actions as you need to keep your cool as a player and respect the official's (sic). Of course the refereeing performance must rank as the worst I've ever seen in Super League.
"I believe the club had strong grounds to appeal based on the categories of offences supported by legal representation. To then further punish an individual for appealing by extending the ban is just another example of how this great game is being destroyed by the RFL.
"After all the injuries this decision has crushed H and we as his family will pick up the pieces.
"If it was me and I appreciate it is not I'd simply return to rugby union or head to the NRL. The stories of genuine fans walking away from the game in this group and the decline in attendances tells you everything you need to know at (sic) rugby league. The other week total published attendance for the round was 38,000, this equates to a half full Old Trafford.
"Unless someone grasps the challenge in the RFL professional rugby league full time will simply be part of our history."
