I watched the game last Sunday with some interest, as I had not seen York for some years, in fact not since I worked in Yorkshire.

However, the spear tackle on young Danny Craven was not necessary at the lad was held quite firmly in a three man tackle. Mr Halloran was at fault in not calling held, and also at fault for not taking some action against the players concerned.

I was quite close to the tackle and had a good view and it certainly seemed malicious to me, and not what I expected to see in the game of Rugby League.

I hope the players concerned feel somewhat ashamed.

If you are attempting a wind-up it isn't very good and if you genuinely feel so strongly about it contact the RFL. I was at the game but didn't see the incident - I shall watch the dvd - possibly,tomorrow. It seems a little strange that an individual with a username like yours should make such a statement when one of the Widnes players on the field was found guilty of such malicious play that he should really feel ashamed,especially as it was against what may be perceived as inferior opposition.Pickersgill It seems ironic that an 'Old Viking' should allude to 'malicious play' when Paul Cullen and Terry O'Connor are at the club,which has had other such angels as Kurt Sorenson,Jim Mills,et.al. I am sorry that your young full back sustained an injury and I was impressed by Pickersgill,and even more impressed by Sorenson. I think you will find York City Knights end the season with a better disciplinary record than Widnes.

If you are attempting a wind-up it isn't very good and if you genuinely feel so strongly about it contact the RFL. I was at the game but didn't see the incident - I shall watch the dvd - possibly,tomorrow. It seems a little strange that an individual with a username like yours should make such a statement when one of the Widnes players on the field was found guilty of such malicious play that he should really feel ashamed,especially as it was against what may be perceived as inferior opposition.Pickersgill It seems ironic that an 'Old Viking' should allude to 'malicious play' when Paul Cullen and Terry O'Connor are at the club,which has had other such angels as Kurt Sorenson,Jim Mills,et.al. I am sorry that your young full back sustained an injury and I was impressed by Pickersgill,and even more impressed by Sorenson. I think you will find York City Knights end the season with a better disciplinary record than Widnes.

I am not attempting a wind up, and if I had been it would have been very good!!

Yes, there have been robust players at Widnes and indeed most other clubs and I would never be supportive of play intended to damage a player.

I am glad that you were at the game and will look at the incident, and I think you will agree with me that the referee should have called "held" rather than let the tackle continue.

You refer to my user name as an indication that I should remember certain players who were no angels in the past, which is nearer the present than some of the things I do remember. I was at the game during which a spear tackle effectively ended the career of a great scrum half, Tommy McCue, and that is one of the main reasons why I abhor such a tactic.

Old Viking,
Firstly,huge respect to you for watching rugby league during the 1935-1945 era,when McCue was in his prime,and in the modern era.
I was trying to recollect when the spear tackle was outlawed ; was it in the 80's or 90's ?
I have viewed the dvd and I have to congratulate the 2 commentators for a job very well done.
The tackle to which you refer took place directly in front of the home dug-out,in front of the touch judge and just as Mick Cassidy was to enter the field.I would concede that the legs do go above the horizontal but only as the first tackler leaves and the other defender completes the tackle.I did not see it as malicious.The player concerned is a Super League player with Castleford and I would think he has an exemplary discipline record.
What did concern me was the sending from the field of the York City Knights captain,who did nothing except restrain,in the gentlest of manners,a Widnes player who may have involved himself in the brawl,started by a Widnes dummy runner who raised an elbow into the facial area of one defender and then punched another.
When the matter calmed,it is clearly audible on the dvd the chanting,by a small number of males,
'Dirty Yorkshire Barstewards' or similar.I consider this racist.
If I were to contact the RFL,bearing in mind the fine imposed on Castleford for their homophobic moment,plus the fact I am not from Yorkshire,what do you think would happen ?
I look forward to the return fixture and I expect a vastly different result.
It doesn't appear as though any official complaint has yet been made regarding the tackle.I think that is the correct course of action.

I sit just to the right of the dugout and saw it quite clearly

However, the other incidents to which you refer were quite a distance from me and the referee was on the spot, and acted on the incident, with which I was quite appalled, as well as the offensive language used by a small number of idiots.

I look forward to the return fixture by which time York should have settled into the Championship.

The speak tackle was outlawed in the early 90's, I think, certainly before SL.

I think a complaint from Widnes will probably not be made, partly due to the bad discipline you refer to, which Denis Betts will have addressed on Monday, particularly since 4 Widnes players have been charged with offences, which serves them right.

Danny Craven, who was the victim of the spear tackle disregarded by the referee, has not played for 4 week and will be out for a further 12 weeks, as he has to have a shoulder reconstruction.

I just thought that those who felt that the tackle was not malicious would like to know.

There was a course of action available if anyone at Widnes Vikings considered it malicious or foul play.
The Widnes club is very familiar with the disciplinary system as many of their players have appeared before the panel this season.Certainly many more than York.

Injuries are sadly part of the game.As an individual I am saddened when it occurs particularly if it is a result of an action that is outlawed by the sport.

I hope young Mr.Craven makes a full recovery and is back playing at his best.
I also hope the club treats him better than the first 4 that the club have released,on their move to Super League.

I further hope that any former Widnes players lining up for York,against their former club,play the game of their lives.

Having had a shoulder operation myself 2 years ago my best wishes go to Danny Craven.

I thank you for your good wishes for young Danny Craven.

I think the club did not cite the York players due to the ill tempered actions of some of the Widnes players.

What concerned me most was that the referee totally disregarded the incident even when it became obvious that the player could not carry on.

With regard to the players released the general opinion from Widnes supporters was that was the best for the players who were not sacked but told that they would not be going into SL with the club nor would they be required for first team duties. They do remain on the payroll until they find another club or till their contract end..
The club is currently assessing all playing staff, including the coaching staff, and the players release from first team duties is a result of that assessment process.