Former Castleford Tigers boss Ryan Carr has been fined by the RFL over an “abusive accusation” about referee Liam Rush during the dramatic 36-34 Super League win over Leeds Rhinos at OneBore Stadium three months ago.

Sky Sports issued an on-air apology after their microphone picked up Carr’s angry reaction in the first half of the Sunday afternoon derby on July 19.

The Australian, who was watching from a gantry position close to the television commentary team, was heard shouting “f****** cheat” after Tigers were denied a quick tap restart in the first half.

He moved to pitchside after half-time as Castleford hit back from 20-4 and 30-16 behind.

The RFL contacted Tigers after the game asking for the club’s comments and their verdict has now been announced.

Carr is back in Australia after leaving Tigers in August. He had been away from work for the previous two weeks.

An RFL statement said: “Ryan Carr has been fined £3,000, with £1,500 suspended until the end of the 2028 season, following an incident when he was head coach at Castleford Tigers and during the Betfred Super League fixture against Leeds Rhinos on 19 July 2026.

“Carr, who left the club in August due to personal reasons, was heard on the Sky Sports broadcast directing an abusive accusation at the referee.

“Although the comment was not intended to be heard outside the club’s staff, it was picked up during the broadcast  and prompted an on-air apology.

“The RFL found Carr in breach of Operational Rules D1.1(b), C2:6 and C2:10, covering improper conduct, adherence to RFL policies and the behaviour standards expected of senior personnel.

“The sanction also reflects that this was not his first breach of the Operational Rules during the season. “

Workington Town – and coach Jonty Gorley – are also in hot water, over conduct towards the match doctor during and after a Championship fixture at Midlands Hurricanes in August.

The club and team boss accepted their behaviour towards the medic – who decided to remove Town player Tana Featherstone from the field after he was judged to have displayed category one concussion symptoms – fell below expected standards, both during the match and, in Gorley’s case, in a post-game interview.

Workington have been fined £2,000, suspended until the end of the 2028 season.

Gorley’s previous suspended two-match touchline ban and £500 fine have been activated.

He has received an additional £1,000 fine and four-match stadium exclusion, both suspended until the end of 2028.

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