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Rugby League

Controversy dogs Leeds' Cardiff win

07/05/2007

Bradford coach Steve McNamara joins captain Iestyn Harris in criticising referee Steve Ganson after 42-38 loss to Leeds

Bradford Bulls coach Steve McNamara has claimed his side's 42-38 defeat to Leeds Rhinos at the Millennium Stadium was decided by errors from referee Steve Ganson.

The Rhinos won the game with a last-minute try from Jordan Tansey after he collected the loose ball from a Kevin Sinfield penalty attempt that crashed down off the post.

The Bulls appealed against the try award, claiming that Tansey had strayed offside and failed to ground the ball properly.

The dramatic finale came after the Bulls coach had already been incensed by the decision to award Sinfield a kick at goal in the first place.

"He [Ganson] invented a penalty. He made a penalty up at the end to help give Leeds a draw," McNamara said.

His skipper, Iestyn Harris continued the complaints after the Bulls saw Tansey dive over.
"It was a knock-on. It was an out-and-out mistake by the referee. And the guy who scored was five yards offside in front of the kicker. It's two ridiculous mistakes," he said.

A statement on Ganson's performance from the Rugby Football League seems likely with even the victorious coach admitting he was puzzled by what went on.

"I was bemused by many, many decisions. I don't think we deserved to win - Bradford were the better team," said Tony Smith.

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