The Rugby Football League has launched an investigation into veteran centre Keith Senior's public criticism of referee Richard Silverwood in the aftermath of Leeds' World Club Challenge defeat and have pledged a swift conclusion.
The 33-year-old former Great Britain international branded the match official 'arrogant' after he was penalised by him for dissent during the Super League champions' 18-10 defeat by Melbourne Storm at Elland Road.
Senior, who was seething over what he saw as Silverwood's failure to clamp down on Melbourne's 'laying on' at the play-the-ball, later issued an apology and that could spare him a hefty fine.
The comments, made to journalists in the mixed zone an hour after the end of the match, will be studied by the RFL's compliance manager, who has the power to charge the player with bringing the game into disrepute.
Last season Hull KR coach Justin Morgan was fined 4,000 British pounds - half of it suspended - after he was found guilty of breaching the RFL's Respect policy for labelling referee Ben Thaler 'sub-standard'.
"Our compliance manager will look at all the evidence, including the player's apology," said an RFL spokesman.
"We are looking for a swift conclusion. It is not something we want to drag on."
Senior, who is unlikely to be suspended for the comments, must also explain himself to Rhinos chief executive Gary Hetherington as Leeds decide whether there has been a breach of the club's internal disciplinary procedures.
In a statement issued late last night Senior said: "I would like to apologise for any offence caused by my comments following our defeat to Melbourne."
"Unfortunately I let my emotions get the better of me after a physically and mentally draining clash."
"Having had time to reflect on my comments, I appreciate that, like us players, referees have a difficult job to do and we do not have a game without them."