Rugby League’s Head of Match Officials Urges Fans to Respect Referees
In the aftermath of Magic Weekend, Phil Bentham, the Head of Match Officials for Rugby League, has called on fans to remember that “there is a person behind the shirt” when it comes to match officials. This plea comes following a fresh wave of criticism and abuse directed at referees, particularly towards Chris Kendall after Leeds Rhinos’ fiery defeat to Warrington Wolves.
Bentham has defended his top officials, stating that the Rugby Football League (RFL) is exploring ways to offer greater protection for referees on social media. Leading refs like Kendall and Liam Moore have opted to be active on social media, despite being the targets of “horrendous abuse.”
“Chris made a really good point that he has a right as a human being to be on social media. That is the way the generation speaks to each other,” Bentham said. “He has a right to be on there without being abused. He doesn’t have to give in to the keyboard warriors which is 100 per cent right.”
Bentham, who has recently returned to oversee the RFL Match Officials department after a stint with the Premier League, has also revealed the remarkable level of detail that goes into each weekly refereeing review. He dismisses claims that referees are not accountable for their mistakes, stating that:
“Every single week they are all wondering ‘am I in Super League this week or am I not?’ That level of accountability happens week-in week-out.”
The Head of Match Officials emphasizes the need for fans to understand the challenges faced by match officials and to treat them with the respect they deserve. As the rugby league season continues, Bentham’s message serves as a reminder that behind the jersey, there are real people doing their best to uphold the integrity of the game.
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