Rugby League fans, players and directors have all taken to social media in the aftermath of St Helens forward Morgan Knowles controversially having his two-match ban lifted.
The verdict now means Knowles is free to play in Saturday's Betfred Super League Grand Final against Leeds Rhinos, following a successful second appeal against a two-match suspension. The match review panel tribunal's conclusion was dubbed 'unreasonable' and Knowles 'attempt' didn't classify as an "unacceptable risk of injury" although it was a clear chicken-wing tackle on Salford Red Devils' Chris Atkin.
Atkin's Salford teammates Joe Burgess and Ryan Brierley both took to Twitter to vent their frustrations, Burgess posting a clown GIF and Brierley simply posted a sarcastic laughing emoji. Red Devils Director of Rugby & Operations Ian Blease also posted, "Very, very sad night for our sport."
Read More: Jack Welsby claims Grand Final win over Leeds Rhinos would make St Helens greatest team ever
It wasn't just players linked to the incident either, as former player and current Hull FC assistant Gareth Ellis was baffled by the news, and ex-referee Richard Silverwood raged on social media about the current state of the game and what he thinks of the people who are running it. "Woke up this morning still angry at Knowles decision. I have been out of the game 6 years now but genuinely want our game to be the best it can be. Full stadiums, everyone loving RL, always striving for consistency. (Yes I didn't always get it right) before people pipe up, but these last 12 months I see players getting banned left, right and centre. Frivolous seems to be the new buzz word. Players are getting games added just for appealing and then that yesterday. Just deflates you as a fan of the game. Muppets running the show."
Again, the anger vented by everyone involved in the game is consistency, which is something the RFL have failed to deliver this season. Players like Korbin Sims, Brad Fash and Rhyse Martin have all been suspended in 2022 for minimal offences, whereas Knowles' chicken wing is clear to see and, after two contentious appeals, is free to play in a Grand Final and let off scot-free.
That frustration was felt by Titus Gwaze more than anyone else. He was banned for eight matches earlier in the season for lifting a player, and he was clearly angered by the Knowles case. He tweeted: "Hahahahahahaha Rugby league at it again !!! Remember my sideline stint for 8 weeks ? B*******.
Read next
Leeds Rhinos the Grand Final underdogs as threepeat Champions St Helens favourites to win
Remembering Leeds Rhinos' first Grand Final winning side and where they are now
Terry O'Connor on son Jarrod's Grand Final debut, trophy presentation and family pride
Leeds Rhinos legend Kevin Sinfield announces details of upcoming autobiography
Liam Moore to officiate second successive Super League Grand Final on Saturday
