The in-goal official said it was racism that got Justin Carney sent off, with the game tied during this hard fought Salford Red Devils victory over Toronto Wolfpack in today's Challenge Cup...
Coach Ian Watson was aware of the allegation of racism but didn't want to comment in his post-match press conference, saying he was waiting for the referee's report...
...Now, I know Justin Carney well enough to say that I was shocked to hear this, as his father is black. After the game I spoke with him and he told me what he had said...He had called one of the Toronto forwards a 'fat c**t', not a 'black c**t' and it seems the linesman had heard him wrong. Weightist? Maybe. Racist? Not.
The incident overshadowed a great game and a hard fought victory as Salford started on that elusive holy grail, the Challenge Cup. We haven't been to Wembley since 1969 and a trip is long overdue.
Previously unbeaten Toronto Wolfpack may be two divisions below high flying Salford but no-one was kidding themselves; this was a banana skin waiting to happen. I was expecting a great game, and I was not to be disappointed.
Any team that has Paul Rowley as a coach will always be physical, and Gaz O'Brien was hit with a few cheap shots early in the first half. But it didn't stop Salford taking the lead, going 6-0 up through Welham's try after smart work by Dobson, who also added the kick.
Toronto then fought back to lead 12-6, before Johnson went in at the corner and Dobson added a great kick from the touch line to tie the game 12-12. The odds were stacked against Salford when Carney got sent off shortly after but they managed to go in at half time 18-16 up, with Johnson scoring again and Dobson converting.
Watson re-grouped twelve man Salford at half time and they came out the better team, scoring first through Dobson, and then O'Brien who also scored a drop goal that finally gave Salford breathing space. Toronto got a consolation at the end to make the final score Salford Red Devils 29 Toronto Wolfpack 22.
This was a hard fought win and it just goes to show how far this team has come. We now head onto to the next round and, with Swinton Lions winning, a shock derby could be on the cards. The quest for the holy grail continues with the draw on Tuesday.
Sadly the press were having a field day, later on calling Justin Carney. But Justin is one of the nicest guys I know. He always has time for the fans – and, to let him put the record straight, things do get said in the heat of the game; Carney never said what he is alleged to have said. Weightist? Maybe. Racist? Not.
Report by Simon Williams
Photos by Gareth Lyons
For lots more of Gareth Lyons match photos click here
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