Tuesday 17 February 2015 11:45, UK
Catalans Dragons coach Laurent Frayssinous has accused Super League referees of failing to protect his full-back Morgan Escare.
The 23-year-old France international was the Dragons' leading try-scorer in 2014 and Frayssinous believes he is being unfairly targeted by opponents.
Frayssinous was particularly unhappy with a challenge on Escare by Castleford winger Justin Carney during Dragons’ 13-12 win at the weekend.
I am angry and frustrated. I'm really worried and concerned about the way Morgan Escare is being treated.
"I am angry and frustrated. I'm really worried and concerned about the way Morgan Escare is being treated,” he said.
"The opposition started to target him at the end of last season and it is happening this year. On Saturday he got a swinging arm to his face and also knees to his face while he was on the ground.
"I'm also pretty concerned over the number of high tackles against Scott Dureau and I just wonder what will happen when Todd Carney takes to the field. I need to take care of my players."
Frayssinous felt Carney’s "swinging arm" on Escare was as bad as the tackle by Patrick Ah Van in the opening match of the season between Widnes and Wigan that resulted in a one-match ban.
"The referee only gave a penalty. There is no consistency,” he added.
“I have spoken to the boss of the review panel. My biggest concern is how to protect my players."
Three players were sin-binned in that match on Saturday by referee James Child and Catalans forwards Olivier Elima and Eloi Pelissier will face the Rugby Football League's disciplinary panel on Tuesday evening.
"Two of my boys lost control and I am really angry with them," said Frayssinous.
"What happened in the 80 minutes is tough to take but I don't want my players to take matters into their own hands."
