Brian McDermott has taken aim at both the RFL and the national media after David Howell received a three-match ban in the wake of his sending off at Wigan last week.

Howell saw red after elbowing Sam Tomkins in the face as Quins crumbled to a 40-12 defeat at the JJB Stadium, a result which throws their play-off aspirations into jeopardy.

But McDermott, while admitting Howell’s challenge warranted dismissal, was angered at the stance taken by the governing body.

He said: “Let me make one thing clear - I have no issue with David Howell being red-carded.

“He was careless and it should not have happened - nobody want to see stuff like that happening in the game.

“But he was charged with intentionally striking an opponent and that I vehemently disagree with.

“Even worse, when we were at the hearing I had the suits asking me whether there had been any sledging between Howell and Tomkins prior to the incident.

“To sit there and have to answer questions on whether a player of mine had deliberately targeted an opposition player really annoys me, and if the RFL thinks that is the case then they are so far detached from the modern game it is untrue.

“After that I had a phone call from a well-known member of the national media suggesting something very similar and that added to my anger - people have hyped this up into something far more than it was.”

The Londoners will look to get their season back on track this weekend when the Huddersfield Giants visit the Stoop, but with the Giants already having pounded Quins in two meetings this season, McDermott accepts his side have a challenge on their hands.

He added: “The first time we played them it was more about our mistakes, but when we played them at our place in the cup it was all about them.

“We could not match their forwards.

“They will be feeling really confident as they are playing really well, and deserve to be where they are in the league.

“They have a very good squad and they work hard for each other, and we have to match that.”

Harlequins RL’s next three matches: July 11 Huddersfield (h), 19 Catalans (a), 25 St Helens (h)