Matterson has coached Castleford since 2005

Castleford coach Terry Matterson has told BBC Sport he believes there is a "hidden agenda" behind the £40,000 the club was fined for homophobic chants.

Matterson claimed chanting at other clubs had gone unpunished.

He said: "I think it's been an over-reaction, and I think there's been some hidden agendas there."

Castleford have said they will appeal against the fine, levied after a small group of supporters aimed homophobic chants at Gareth Thomas of Crusaders.

Matterson continued: "I don't think the league have handled it really well, to be honest, they've put Castleford out there around the world, and you know, it happens at every game, a different sort of chanting.

"I was out at the Leeds game the other day and they went on and on and on, and to be honest with you, I don't think it [the fine] was fair, I think they [the Rugby Football League] have come up with a poor decision there."

As well as announcing their intention to appeal, Castleford have banned three supporters from their ground, The Jungle, and chief executive Richard Wright has said further bans could follow.

The club maintains it is one of the most robust in Super League at promoting an all-inclusive environment for all sections of the community.

A spokesman for the RFL said: "We are aware of Castleford's and Terry Matterson's views. The club has announced its intention to appeal, but we are still waiting to hear from them."

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