newgroundb4wakey wrote:
OK then mate I'll have a final last say if you don't mind. Before I do can I just say that we struggled to get tickets but were rescued very late by the HKR ticket office who asked if we would mind sitting in with HKR fans. We said that it was no problem as far as we were concerned and we were looked after very well from the moment we parked up. Great banter with the fans around us and handshakes all round at the end.
I don't know if fans on here missed it or have just chosen to ignore it but Micheal Shentons statement on the incident made my mind up. It was obvious as he left the field that he wasn't happy and as one of the nicest, most honest and respected players in super league you have to respect what he said. I have never heard him say a bad word about another player in all the times I've watched him (fair enough that doesn't mean he hasn't) but he said after the game that Boudebzas tackle was reckless. I can only assume that he passed his Feelings on to Powell.
So do you chose to disbelieve such a well respected ambassador to the sport as Shenny who was better placed than any one to see and feel what happened or do you slavishly follow your adored Mr. Hudgell. The same Mr. Hudgell who lambasts the panel for having a member on it who never played a game of rugby league when as far as I know he never played himself.
Why does he say that Boudebza is distraught when one of the reasons the RFL gives for the doubling of the ban is Boudebza's lack of remorse. Why is he remorseful if he thinks he didn't do any thing wrong?
I would not blame any of you for thinking I am biased but if it comes down purely to rugby league experience I would believe Shenny before your owner. I wonder what his statement would have been if the roles had been reversed and a Cas player had caused a season ending injury to your captain.
I have every respect and sympathy for Shenton. I don't assume his infallibility, slavishly or otherwise, though - and nor should the disciplinary panel. They should judge on the evidence available, not on individual's opinions, not Shenton's or Powell's or Hudgell's or mine or yours.
The fact that some Cas fans are relying now on Shenton's good character (John Boudebza seems a nice guy from what I've seen, btw) and the possibility of other secret footage, suggests that even they think the evidence in the public domain is not that strong.
The remorse thing - I think can reasonably be assumed to be an expression of sympathy, rather than a mea culpa. The ban wasn't doubled for a lack of remorse. Remorse is RFL wording. I'm sorry Shenton is injured, it doesn't mean I'm responsible.
Curiously, a Cas player did put our captain out for the season last year. Nobody said much of anything that I recall, as it was not due to foul play.
