Widnes haven't been given much have they?

How many games that Child is involved in end in controversy? It was so predictable, why give him the season opener? His decisions have gifted Wigan this game, which otherwise would have been a real blockbuster start to the season.

Penalty for the Widnes try wasn't a penalty. At least he's trying to balance it out.

Tbf Widnes have looked a lot better with 12 men than 13, (or maybe just Wigan treating it like its in the bag). Game on now.

Childs' performance has been utterly farcical to be honest. The red card was not only a shocking decision, a massive over reaction to a clumsy challenge, but it came minutes after an almost identical (And even more deliberate) attack on the head of the Widnes kicker.

He's consistently given decisions Wigan's way, only he will know if that's incompetence or bias. I'm liking the first option, like most of the referees in Super League they have no common sense, no judgement and are weak individuals. Some of the decision making has been horrific, but it's the lack of consistency that is the problem and is what frustrates players, coaches and fans alike. If they gave the same decision for each instance, people would know what they could do, they would know how to behave. Instead everyone is left confused as he rules red card for Widnes, yet ignores identical tackles the other way.

He could have single handily decided the outcome of the game tonight. Widnes would have won this game comfortably if it wasn't for the referee and yet Wigan are currently winning.

It's not just him, they are all awful. So frustrating that the powers that be defend them all the time. Just admit they are only there because no one else wants to do it, and create a proper, professional refereeing system where they are well paid and accountable for their performances. Childs's should be stood down for a few weeks after tonight, but instead, he'll be deciding the outcome of another game next weekend after a glowing report from the powers that be.

It's always the same at the start of the season. I wish they would grow some balls and ask Cummings why the ref's always pick one or two rules and over-exaggerate the hell out of them, to the point of farce at the start of the season.

In their defence, given the difficulty of refereeing the game they're not. Thaler and Bentham are very good refs. Silverwood bears too many grudges but on a good day is good. Child attracts controversy wherever he goes and it was very predictable that tonight would end up about him instead of the excellent Widnes performance and, perhaps, what would otherwise have been a win.

If it keeps the arsse away from our game at HKR on Sunday, he can have the season opener for me.

Ganson ?

Sorry but HOW IN GODS NAME is Tomkins or Smith been sent off there?

I presume you mean not. Smith has to be, kicking out like that in such a mard reaction deserves the red just because of how big a spoilt baby he was. Tomkins is just out of control. He hadn't even got a clue what was going on there, and just mindlessly attacked the stray Widnes player after deciding that attacking the big group of big Widnes players celebrating wasn't a good idea. It's a good job there were no cheerleaders or mascots about or I think they would have copped one as well.

Wigan need to look at Wane's coaching and decide if the reputation of the club is worth anything to them. They are a recipe for disaster, a gaggle of mindless thugs would up like caged animals by Wane.

Smith should have got a red imo . 1st game in and it's all about the ref !.

Smith should of been red, Tomkins should of been sin binned. I don't understand how it could be any different. I get they're frustrated but you'd of thought with the spotlight on Wanes tactics they should of kept their cool. No excuses otherwise

Congratulations Widnes, I didn't give them a chance at times during the game and they battled through.

The annoying bit is that he'll escape a ban because he was yellow carded and missed the kick off.

Matt Smith should have got a straight red for that kick on the Widnes player. That IMO was more deserving of a red than Ah Van's red card

looooooool at this thread.

Swinging arm with a closed fist to the jaw of a player that put him out of the game with concussion is definitely not a sending off but a mild trip on a player definitely is one. Class.

Disgraceful from Child. Wet himself in the first half with Ah Van sending off, which given the new rules on sin bins is even more ridiculous, then lost his bottle.
Smith should've been red and Tomkins a yellow. Plus maybe a yellow for the Widnes player that ran in.
Plus a yellow for Farrell in the first half and at least a yellow for Clubb for a cannonball tackle in the 2nd half.

Utterly ridiculous from Child.

Turned out it was a crazy end to the game. When I loook to see who's reffing us, I feel nauseous when I see his name as ref.

Your last word, none of that at wigan!

Was only listening, but it sounded like there was a yellow card after the try was scored?

If that was the case, surely it's 2 shots at goal not one.

Like I said not seen it only listening.

Yes missed the word in my shock whilst typing it out. The late charges on the kickers are also looking like no accidents either.

Hahahaha yea loads of class in Hull isn't there

It's James Child again, how is he a top flight ref. It wasn't a particularly tough game to ref, but he made it look that way.

At least with Silverwood, Thaler, Bentham.......they've have had their shockers but I've also seen them have very good games. Not once have I seen Child perform well yet he still is given good gigs, dare I say it's probably the RFL not wanting to look homophobic by not picking him for key games......because his performances have NEVER warranted it.

Delusion and denial still reign at Wigan then.

Explain how a trip is more serious of an offence than a high swinging arm please.

Thanks in advance.