YORK City Knights boss James Ford has hit back hard at Craig Lingard after the Keighley coach accused him of trying to get his players banned following the controversial clash between the sides.

Dual-reg York prop Kieran Moran has been suspended for two matches for his "crusher tackle" which earned a sin-binning just after half-time of the Knights' 25-18 win. Ford says that offence was "clearly unintentional".

The Cougars, though, have four players facing bans - three of them having been cited for foul play by Ford, in addition to ex-Knight Josh Tonks, who is in line for a three- to five-match expulsion after his red card for an alleged late, high hit on Connor Robinson.

Hooker James Feather has already been banned for one match for headbutting Adam Robinson, which brought only a penalty on the day, while Brad Nicholson and Hamish Barnes have been charged with tripping, both of those incidents being missed by the referee.

Lingard complained in trade paper League Express that it was not a coach's place to inform the Rugby Football League's Match Review Panel of alleged misdemeanours, and accused Ford of "going to the teacher and telling tales".

But Ford retorted: "I'm a bit surprised he thinks that kind of behaviour on a rugby field is acceptable.

"We have a responsibility as coaches to help develop the game and that behaviour is not part of rugby league.

"The tactics from Keighley in our match, not just in my opinion, were some of the worst stuff I've seen at professional level.

"There was a clear intention to try to fluster a young team. That's fair enough, but when it's not in the rules they will have players missing and they will keep having players missing if they continue to play like that.

"I'm also really surprised he did not realise that coaches can cite incidents in a game for review and that it happens regularly.

"I know he's a rookie coach but he should probably get up to speed with the intricacies of the modern game.

"I won't be the first or last coach to cite players for that kind of behaviour."

Ford also referred to Keighley's controversial cup match with Fryston earlier this year, when the Cougars lodged complaints with the RFL about the amateur club's actions, the tie having descended into an all-in brawl.

"Craig must have a short-term memory, given his comments after the Fryston tie," said Ford. "It's a bit 'pot calling kettle'.

"That game got out of hand and factors like this can contribute to outcomes like that if left unpunished."

Keighley have had seven players charged by the RFL this season, whereas Moran became the first York player to be charged in two years.

Ford said of Moran's ban: "I think it was harsh when it was clearly unintentional. I understand they have to protect players and on the back of that he will face a two-game ban.

"We all agreed it was unintentional. He tried to control the ruck and didn't quite get it right, but I want to reinforce there was certainly no intent to injure anyone.

"That's the first player we've had on a charge for a very long time and that shows what a disciplined team we are."

Moran's offence was of grade 'C' level, which earns a ban of two or three matches. He entered an early guilty plea.

Feather likewise entered an early guilty plea to a grade 'B' headbutt of "light contact".

Tonks, Nicholson and Barnes face disciplinary hearings.

Tonks is charged with a grade 'D' offence of intentionally striking in a high tackle.

Nicholson is charged with a grade 'A' trip on Ash Robson. He could face no further action or a one-match ban.

Barnes is charged with a grade 'B' trip on Moran, which comes with a one- or two-match ban.

The Knights won the game 25-18 to cement fourth place and all but secure their place in the Super 8s. Keighley sit eighth with two games left before the league splits.

* Since this article was published, it has been confirmed that Josh Tonks pleaded guilty to his charge and has been handed a five-match ban.

Brad Nicholson pleaded not guilty but was found guilty, albeit without being punished with a ban.

Hamish Barnes pleaded not guilty but was found guilty and suspended for one match.

All received £75 fines.