Cartwright seeks RFL clarity as boss offers sending off solution

HEAD COACH WANTS TO AVOID CONTROVERSIAL RED CARDS

- By DAN TOMLINSON

HULL FC head coach John Cartwright has asked the RFL for clarity on what constitutes a yellow and red card and has offered his own solution to differentiate between the two.

Cartwright has proposed an “intentional and accidental” take on cards, with send-offs only given for genuine foul play. For example, a full-on swinging arm, or use of the knees or elbows.

The Aussie’s proposal comes after Liam Knight was red-carded at the Magic Weekend - with a completely contrasting view given by the Match Review Panel, who said the contact was chest-first with the intention to wrap.

At the time, the officials said Knight's contact was direct to the head and with no mitigation. This proved to be false. And it’s that swing between the officials and the MRP that is frustrating Cartwright, who saw a second red card for a Hull player vindicated by the latter - the first being Cade Cust, who saw no further action after his red card for an accidental clash with Arthur Mourgue in the Good Friday derby.

Elsewhere, red card frustration has also been felt at both Hull KR and Leeds Rhinos, with Jesse Sue and Ash Handley controversially sent off and no further action taken by the MRP.