Hull FC interim coach criticises no-try decision and chaotic match operations after 18-14 defeat

Frustration at MKM Stadium after tight defeat

Andy Last, interim head coach of Hull FC, voiced sharp criticism of match officiating and match-day operations after his side were beaten 18-14 by Castleford Tigers at the MKM Stadium on Friday night. The defeat was overshadowed by a contentious no-try call, confusion over a captured late contact, and problems with the stadium clock and big screen.

Hull’s length-of-the-field effort from Harvey Barron was ruled out in circumstances that Last described as difficult to understand. Referee James Vella had already blown for a penalty following what was judged to be a late hit by Joe Batchelor on Daejarn Asi, prior to Barron’s interception and run to the line.

"The Harvey Barron no try, I don't know what Batch can do there," Last said. "He comes up, pressures the ball player, and the ball player goes into the line, and he two hand touches him as he goes down. He wasn't trying to milk a penalty; he throws the pass, and Harvey Barron intercepts and goes, and then Batch gets pulled back for that late hit on the tackler. I just don't know what he's meant to do. That's something that they need to have a look at."

Inconsistency and other match failings

Last also highlighted inconsistency in decision-making by officials, drawing a direct comparison with a previous game at St Helens in which a try from Herman Ese'ese was disallowed despite camera angles suggesting otherwise. "It was as clear as Herman Ese'ese's last week," he said, noting the damaging effect of inconsistent calls on the team.

He accepted that Liam Hood’s match-winning try was legitimate but said the wider inconsistency - both in refereeing and in Hull’s own play - undermined the club. "Not only from the referee, but also from us as a team – our inconsistency kills us," Last added.

Beyond refereeing, Last was critical of operational issues at the MKM Stadium. Players, coaches and supporters were reportedly confused throughout the match because there was no working clock or big screen, and captains' challenges were described as "messy". Last said the absence of a clock and screen had been a recurring problem and contributed to a chaotic atmosphere.

• Score: Castleford Tigers 18, Hull FC 14
• Key overturned incident: Harvey Barron intercepted and appeared to score before being pulled back for a penalty offence already awarded
• Officials: Referee James Vella made the penalty call prior to the interception
• Operational problems: No working clock or big screen; messy captains' challenges

Local consequences and scrutiny

The problems flagged by Last will be of concern to supporters who pay to attend games at the MKM Stadium and expect clear, consistent officiating and functioning stadium facilities. For the club, there is the immediate sporting cost of the home defeat and a longer-term reputational issue if such problems persist.

Last’s comments follow a season in which Hull have struggled for consistency on the field. While he praised the clarity of Castleford’s winning try, his broader message was that the club must address its own shortcomings in defence and discipline, as well as press for clearer, fairer officiating.

With referee decisions and stadium infrastructure under scrutiny, Hull FC face pressure both to improve performances on the pitch and to ensure a reliable match-day experience for supporters. The club and match officials have yet to publish a joint explanation of the Barron decision or the technical failures that affected the fixture.