Sam Burgess comments: Leigh Leopards v Warrington Wolves

The big talking point was Paul Vaughan's red card after 11 minutes, for what is understood to have been a shoulder clashing with counterpart prop Owen Trout high.

Q: What did you think of the red card?

Burgess: "I don't think it's right. I think it's embarrassing the game.

"It becomes a theatrical game out there - numerous players telling players to stay down.

"We were about to play on - we had one last week, and now one this week. They sent him for a HIA which was convenient, so it's theatrical.

"What was the report for, what did he put somebody on report for late in the game?

"So you put somebody on report, but he sent a red card 10 minutes into the game. Was it really a red card? What do you guys think?

"Well I believe there's mitigating factors. In today's world, it's yellow.

"It's such a big call, who makes it? Spur of the moment - it just had such an influence on the result.

"From that point on, we had the game 12-10 and I can't stress how proud of my team I am because they never gave up, they never stopped trying.

"We were below average with the ball tonight and didn't give ourselves a chance.

"But I've got a team in there that will fight hard for each other, so I've got to fight for them right now and ask a couple of questions.

"What are we going to do to fix this mess, because that was a mess. It spoiled a good game of rugby league."

Q: The fans feel the same on social media, they're fuming.

Burgess: Well, I'm glad we're all agreeing. Let's just hope the people in power get a grip of it and have some responsibility and accountability for what's gone on the field.

"I tell my players not to stay down because I don't think it's in the spirit of the game.

"I don't think it's a great look. As role models, I don't think it's fantastic. But the game have created it, so the game had best stand it out.

"I've not looked at Vaughan's moment in great length, but what I've seen of it it's not a red card - 10 minutes into the game as well. Seriously.

"My players then have to play 70 minutes down to 12. At some point in a long season where we play too many games in this competition - playing 27 games - there's more red and yellow cards that I've ever seen, so at some point and as we've already seen it's taking its toll on players. We're losing players, we're losing the quality of the game, the product's being diluted - what are we playing at?"

Q: At half-time you looked as if you were trying to speak to the referee, did you manage to speak to the referee?

Burgess: "I didn't say anything about the card because it was done, but during the game there were so many calls that were just missed.

"I was seeing it from the sideline. The touch judge was right there and how's he missed that? I don't understand how they miss it. So he's either seen it and not made the call, or his eyes are not open.

Warrington Wolves head coach Sam Burgess watches on during the match (Image: Olly Hassell/SWpix.com)

"My point is - do better. I'm asking my players to do better - so do better at it guys.

"With all the technology, we see the nice pretty microphones and nice ear pieces in and we sometimes stop the game so they can hear each other. Well, make a call like everyone else is seeing."

Q: Do you think it's an issue like in football, a referee from somewhere away from the field without a feel for the game, that it's having an influence on the game?

Burgess: "Someone's made that call, I don't know where he's sat. Is he sat in a bunker? Liam Moore (referee) was about to play on. Then the player stays down, he was told to stay down by other players and trainers, and we have a red card from a room outside of the stadium."

Q: Will you follow it up?

Burgess: "I'm sure this will make a bit of noise and I'm sure I will get a call on Monday morning - it's too late for me and too late for my team.

"I don't want an apology. I have to ask the questions for my team. I have to protect them and protect the effort that they are putting in. I protect the game.

"I think we're all on the same page here. It influenced the result and it's costly."

Q: The game's gone down a certain route so how do we get away from that part way through the season?

Burgess: "I don't know. The guys who wear suits and get paid a lot of money should make some good decisions to help us navigate through. Thank you, cheers guys."