SKIPPER Jack Lee is to face no action from Rugby Football League chiefs over allegations of biting - but it hasn't lessened the anger felt in the York City Knights camp over the accusation.

Oldham half-back Lewis Palfrey claimed Lee bit his shoulder in a tackle during the Roughyeds' victory at Huntington Stadium in Sunday's Championship One qualifying semi-final. He showed referee George Stokes a mark, with Stokes putting the incident on report.

However, the hooker strenuously denied the allegation, saying he wears a gum shield so cannot bite. As revealed by The Press, a counter accusation was made that Oldham had merely wanted to unsettle the influential captain if not get him suspended for the rest of the play-offs.

"I had no doubt his name would be cleared," said Knights boss Gary Thornton, who has backed his skipper all the way.

"Jack is really annoyed that he's been put in the frame for something like this. I spoke to the RFL first about it rather than wait for them to come to us. There's no suggestion on the DVD to suggest anybody bit anybody and I didn't think any further action would be taken.

"Jack takes it very personally. He plays tough but he plays fair. He's no way a dirty player. He's not into anything like that, and he was upset and angry about the accusation. "

Asked if it could have been an honest mistake by Palfrey, Thornton said: "I can't answer for him as I don't know him well enough. Scott Naylor (Oldham coach) says he's an honest kid. It might be an honest mistake, I don't know.

"It's a strange one because play continues and it's not until a scrum forms that he (Palfrey) starts moaning about a 'bite'.

"There's no way there's any evidence of teeth being sunk into anyone's shoulder. I knew nothing would come of it. Is it a ploy to upset people?"

The Knights will meet Oldham again in the Grand Final on October 5 if they beat arch-rivals Hunslet in Sunday's elimination semi-final.

Meanwhile, York fans have reacted with disbelief at the news Stokes has been appointed to officiate Sunday's tie after his controversial performance last week.

Stokes allowed two Oldham tries to stand despite being clearly offside and he ruled out a Lee touchdown which had been deemed good by the in-goal touch judge. The referee's marshalling of the ten-metre offside rule and arguable lying-on by the Roughyeds was also criticised.

Thornton did not want to stoke up the flames, though, saying: "It's a brave decision to send a referee back again this week after the way last week panned out, but hopefully he will have a good game."