It was St Helens' year once again as they made history by winning a fourth consecutive Grand Final - but one of their stars didn't make much of an impression on Leeds Rhinos supporters. England winger Tommy Makinson has played a key role In Saints' success for the past decade and was instrumental again at Old Trafford, kicking four goals in their 24-12 win.
However, he has been heavily criticised by Rhinos fans following the game for his reaction in the moments after the hooter sounded. Makinson was the man who brought the game to a close, claiming the ball and running away from the action to wind the clock down in its final seconds. But as the hooter sounded to signal St Helens' place in history, he launched the ball into the Leeds Rhinos end and proceeded to run the entire width of the try-line celebrating, all in front of the Leeds crowd.
His actions resulted in a barrage of abuse within the stadium, with a number of bottles thrown in his direction as he continued to celebrate in front of the agitated Leeds fans. Criticism quickly found its way to social media as Rhinos fans expressed their anger at what they perceived to be a lack of sportsmanship from the St Helens and England ace.
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On Twitter, users were quick to air their annoyance. Siddog01 tweeted: "Tommy Makinson showing how classless he really is at the end." Loiners View added: "Tommy Makinson is a massive grub. Horrible attitude at full-time hooter." Craig Cockburn added: Tommy Makinson did the most unsportsman / unprofessional thing ever running away with the ball."
The comments kept coming. LR-RLFC Fans added: "Tommy Makinson will be in trouble for that, just like Sam Tomkins was. Absolute w***** no need at all." Another agreed, adding: "I’m pretty sure when Tomkins goaded the opposition fans, he got a couple game ban… is Makinson gonna get the same treatment?" Neal Coupland was in the Leeds end and added: "Makinson’s conduct was really poor, well below the standard of a professional sportsman. No excuse for throwing projectiles though." One final spectator added: "Thought Makinson was a decent lad but he was a classless p**** at the end. What a grub!"
The Sam Tomkins reference relates back to an incident during the Challenge Cup Final in 2011, where Tomkins was pictured giving a two-fingered salute to the Leeds fans. Though some Leeds fans have alleged Makinson of the same, there is currently no proof to confirm the accusations.
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