NRL boss David Gallop has slammed the three match ban imposed on Wade McKinnon for spitting at a touch judge, insisting it was too lenient and demanding harsher penalties for players caught disrespecting match officials.
The Warriors have a different take on the matter, claiming the penalty is unfair after their application to appeal was thrown out by judiciary chairman Greg Woods.
Unsurprisingly, rival NRL coaches have sided with Gallop.
Speaking with News Limited, Gallop said: "We fully support the process and the jury of ex-players making a decision but in this case, on the face of it, the penalty appears to be too light."
While the NRL won't step in on this occasion, Gallop has warned of actions which could influence future cases.
"The NRL board has an ability to make a directive regarding future judiciary issues," Gallop told News Limited
"As there is a board meeting (today), we will be recommending that where there is a clear finding of a player spitting at an official, we would expect a suspension of months, not weeks. Therefore this case will not necessarily operate as a precedent into the future."
Gold Coast coach John Cartwright is amongst those supporting Gallop's stance, insisting the penalty should have been months, not weeks.
"It sends a poor message to everyone involved in the game," Cartwright told News Limited.
"I'd rather be punched in the head than spat on. Spitting on a touch judge - it should be eight weeks minimum. What's the next bloke going to get?"
Penrith steer Matt Elliott agreed.
"He (McKinnon) is lucky. If our game has a standard punishment that says if you spit at a touch judge, you get three weeks, then that's too lenient.
"He should buy a 'scratchy'."
