RFL Investigates Castleford Coach McGuire Over Post-Match Refereeing Criticism

Castleford Tigers head coach Danny McGuire has publicly criticized the refereeing decisions following his team's 26-20 defeat to Wigan Warriors, describing some calls as "pathetic" and "horrific." Central to the controversy was a captain’s challenge involving Wigan halfback Harry Smith and Castleford’s Josh Simm, which was upheld despite replays suggesting interference, and a denied penalty that McGuire insisted was obvious to everyone present. The Rugby Football League (RFL) has launched an investigation into McGuire's post-match comments, with the coach unapologetic and willing to accept fines, emphasizing his frustration with what he perceives as consistently poor officiating against his side. McGuire called for the return of former referees known for their decisiveness, arguing the current standard is worsening and lacking guts. Despite his disappointment with the result, McGuire expressed pride in his team's resilience and performance during the match. The RFL's head of match officials publicly apologized to Castleford for the clear error in video refereeing, underscoring the contentious nature of the decisions that influenced the game's outcome.