Chris Chester has vowed to defend Scott Moore ahead of his hearing over an accusation of gouging.
The RFL charged the Wildcats hooker with a Grade E gouging offence following Wakefield’s bad-tempered match with Widnes.
It was a decision met with anger by Wakefield fans, with the charge coming almost two weeks after the alleged incident.
However, while Chester admitted that he knew an investigation was taking place, he is disappointed that the Match Review Panel have decided to take action.
“We’re disappointed that it has gone this far,” Chester told TotalRL
“Scott is going to deny all charges. We don’t need that kind of thing in our game. Once again we’re going to have to be at the disciplinary next week. But we’re going to be taking legal representation with us and we’re going to fight this case. We’re confident and hopeful of a positive outcome.
“Scott Moore isn’t a malicious player. We’re going to fight tooth and nail to overcome this accusation. There is zero video evidence. It was in the melee so I don’t know how anyone has seen anything untoward. Scott is adamant he didn’t gouge the player and we wouldn’t be fighting his corner if we didn’t believe him. Scott has simply said he was defending himself as you would with so many people on top of you.”
Moore could face an eight match suspension if found guilty, which would come as a bitter blow to Chester after his fantastic start as Wildcats head coach.
Given the length of the ban Moore could serve, Chester revealed he might have to consider recruiting a new player if Moore is found guilty.
“I’ve got Mikey Sio and Stuart Howarth who can play there, so we’ll make a decision when we get there. If there is a suspension we will have to look at bringing someone in to cover.”
