Warrington Wolves boss Sam Burgess has said rugby league’s match officials should be held to account for their decisions after his side’s Challenge Cup semi-final defeat by Hull KR.
Four captain’s challenges went against Burgess’ side during Sunday’s 32-12 defeat in Doncaster – with two of those challenges being judged as inconclusive.
In his immediate post-match interview on BBC Two after the full-time hooter, Burgess said: “The inconclusive stuff, they get decisions wrong all the time but how long do they want to take?
“It’s 10 past six, we kicked off at four o’clock. It’s two hours and 10 minutes. I’m disappointed with the result but it’s all a mess and it needs tidying up.”
BBC Sport has contacted the Rugby Football League for comment.
Of the two Wire captain’s challenges ruled inconclusive, the first was a Ben Currie ball steal while video referee Chris Kendall reached the same conclusion on a Joe Philbin knock-on.
Meanwhile, Hull KR were successful with two captain’s challenge calls of their own, with an on-field decision of a knock-on overturned as well as a later penalty call.
When asked for his thoughts on the refereeing calls in his post-match press conference, Burgess said: “Can I answer inconclusive?
“You guys [referring to the media] all do your job properly. You should keep them accountable. I can’t do it because every time I tell the truth they fine me to put me back in my box.
“If you guys ask good questions and get access to the right people, they should be sat in front of the media as well.
“I’ve got to be careful what I say because I’ll be in trouble if I tell the truth.”
