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Sunday, 21 April, 2002, 16:28 GMT 17:28 UK
Schofield attacks Millward
St Helens coach Ian Millward
Millward declined to use all his substitutes
Former Great Britain captain Garry Schofield believes St Helens should be docked Super League points after the "disrespectful" actions of coach Ian Millward on Saturday.

Millward could be charged with bringing the game into disrepute after he took an under-strength side to Valley Parade for Saturday's game with Bradford Bulls.

The Australian then declined to use all his available substitutes in the second half, playing the final 25 minutes of the game with only 12 players.

The BBC Super League Show was inundated on Sunday with viewers comments and an unprecedented deluge of emails about Millward's behaviour.


It's a disgrace that the RFL have chosen an Australian to coach Lancashire
Garry Schofield

Many of the comments defended his decision, claiming St Helens were left with little choice before next Saturday's Challenge Cup Final date with Wigan at Murrayfield.

But Schofield said Saints should be punished for Millward's actions.

"The Challenge Cup should be given greater priority by the RFL, but what St Helens did was disrespectful to Bradford, to the fans, to the Super League competition and to Rugby League in general," Schofield said.

"Saints should be given a substantial fine, but a better punishment would be to dock them Super League points.

"Last year Wakefield had four points docked for breaking the salary cap, something all clubs do but get away with. Saints should suffer at least the same penalty."

Schofield was also critical of the decision to name Millward as Lancashire's coach in the Origin Series to be played in June.

"It's a disgrace that the RFL have chosen an Australian to coach Lancashire," he added. "There are plenty of top class English coaches who should have been given the job."

Millward declined to appear on Sunday's programme, saying he was concentrating on next Saturday's final against Wigan.


The Super League Show, BBC Two (North of England only), 1115 BST, Sunday 21 April


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