Hull KR boss handed �4,000 fine

Morgan's fine will go towards the RFL's Respect campaign

Hull KR coach Justin Morgan has been fined £4,000 after being found guilty of misconduct for publicly criticising referee Ben Thaler on Easter Monday.

Morgan said Thaler's performance in the Super League defeat to Huddersfield was "substandard" and suggested he should "spend some time learning the rules".

Morgan must pay £2,000 within the next 28 days, with £2,000 suspended until the end of the season.

Tribunal chairman Jim Spencer said: "Everyone's entitled to respect."

Morgan claimed Huddersfield were allowed to get away with "blue murder" during his side's 30-8 defeat and said Thaler needs to return to a lower grade.

"It is absolutely disgraceful every time we get him," said Australian Morgan, who is Super League's longest-serving coach.

"There is a very common denominator every time there is a poor game of rugby league and that is Mr Thaler."

Morgan is charged with breaching rules stating that club officials should not criticise the character of a referee or the manner in which he has controlled a game.

"The RFL operational rules state that it is an offence for any club official to criticise the character or manner in which a referee has controlled a game in which a club has taken part," said a Rugby Football League (RFL) statement.

Morgan's fine will go towards the Rugby Football League's Respect campaign.