JAMAHL Lolesi pulled no punches after Kyle Amor was sent off in the 29-18 loss to Wigan on Good Friday.
Whilst praising the effort of the Saints, he said it was clear that the call was an incorrect one.
“We couldn’t have asked for any more from them today,” he said. “They fought hard for the club and not only that, but for each other too. They gave it absolutely everything and I am really pleased with the effort.
“We could have done a few things better with the ball and defensively but when you are playing with 12 men against the Champions at their place, it makes it pretty hard.
“It just wasn’t a red card. It is as simple as it is.
“Ben Thaler didn’t lose us the game – he didn’t miss the tackles or pass the balls – but what I thought was really poor was that the video ref is there to make calls for foul play.
“When you are an official, take the emotion out of it, take the crowd out of it, make the right decision, especially in a derby game.
“I just don’t understand why you don’t do that. I can’t figure it out. Because what’s most important is making the right decision, whether it’s a red or whether it’s a yellow, make the right one. Today it was the wrong one.
“I thought it was poor. We were on the back foot, copped that one and then we didn’t get lots of other calls throughout the game. We got penalised for a flop in the first first five minutes and then we got flopped on for the next 15.
“I didn’t think the officiating was great and I thought it affected what was going to be a great game.
“I feel sorry for the fans that paid out to come and watch a 13 v 13 derby, Wigan v Saints, and they didn’t get that. They got short-changed today as well as us.”
Saints handed a debut to Welsh International Regan Grace and Lolesi paid tribute to the youngster.
“I thought Regan was fantastic and it is a credit to our junior system and coaches. He has been well educated by the guys that found him – Derek Traynor found him playing Rugby Union. We’ve only had him for a couple of years and he has transitioned well. I haven’t seen too many better debuts from a young outside back like that.
“I’m pleased for him and it gives something for the fans to cheer about going forward.
“They were fantastic today. When we were down in the trenches fighting hard, they were fighting with us. We need every supporter to give us everything they have got over Easter.
“The position the club is in means everyone needs to fight; the coaches, players and fans. Let’s fight hard for the town and fight hard for the club.”
Saints are back in action on Easter Monday as they host Castleford Tigers at the Totally Wicked Stadium.
Tickets are on sale from the Ticket Office on Saturday and Monday, by calling 01744 455 052 and online here.
