Sam Tomkins is fined for gesture during the Challenge Cup's final – Rugby League news
Sam Tomkins of the Wigan Warriors has been fined £1,000 by the Rugby Football League (RFL) for flashing an abusive V-sign to Rhinos Leeds’ fan during the final showdown of the Challenge Cup 2011, staged at Wembley on Saturday, August 27, which was bagged
by Wigan, 18-28.
After the lewd gesture, Tomkins was the centre of criticism aimed at him from different quarters. However, when Tomkins was questioned regarding the matter, he did not share his views and refrained from giving his insight about the hot topic after the Challenge
Cup’s wrapped up.
Immediately after the Wembley showdown, Tomkins was approached by reporters and asked about the gesture, he did not say anything at all about it and said that someone had mentioned it to him but he had no idea what they all were referring to.
Later, Tomkins was caught on video flashing the two-fingered gesture after Wigans had scored their first try during Saturday’s clash which seemed to anger Leeds’ fans. Since then, thew player has been found guilty by the disciplinary committee and the fine
amount will be on hold until the end of next season.
Tomkins is nonetheless regretful of his gesture as he went ahead and apologised to Leeds’ fans for his unacceptable gesture that had angered many.
Wigan’s full-back apologised for his V-signed gesture and stated, “I apologise for my gesture to the Leeds fans at Saturday’s Cup final which I regret immensely. I got caught up in the heat of the moment of celebrating a try at Wembley but understand that
my actions were unacceptable. There are no excuses and if I could go back and change things, I would certainly do so. I accept the disciplinary action taken by the club and hope my action does not reflect badly on the Wigan club, the coach or my team-mates.”
According to Tomkins’ apology his “gesture” was not made intentionally, it was only meant to vent out his happiness for his team, the consequences of which he is now paying for.
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