Senior slapped with fine

Wednesday 10th March 2010

Leeds centre Keith Senior has been handed a £1,000 fine - half of it suspended until the end of the season - for criticising a referee.

The 33-year-old former Great Britain international was found guilty by a Rugby Football League tribunal of breaking rules governing the criticism of match officials and breaching the governing body's respect policy.

Senior, who admitted the offence when he made a personal appearance in front of the three-man tribunal in Leeds, has been given 28 days to pay £500 of the fine.

The charge follows Senior's personal criticism of referee Richard Silverwood in the immediate aftermath of the Rhinos' 18-10 World Club Challenge defeat by Melbourne Storm on February 28.

Senior branded the match official "arrogant" after he was penalised by him during the match for dissent, although he later expressed his regret for making the comments.

Last season Hull KR coach Justin Morgan was fined £4,000 - half of it suspended - after he was found guilty of breaching the RFL's respect policy for labelling referee Ben Thaler "sub-standard".

Wednesday's hearing lasted only an hour and the tribunal took into account Senior's apology, which was issued through the club the same night as his outburst, and his admission of guilt.

In a statement at the time, he said: "I would like to apologise for any offence caused by my comments following our defeat to Melbourne.

"Unfortunately I let my emotions get the better of me after a physically and mentally draining clash with Melbourne.

"Having had time to reflect on my comments, I appreciate that, like us players, referees have a difficult job to do and we do not have a game without them."