HULL KR chairman Neil Hudgell has labelled Monday's club-record 84-6 loss to Wigan a 'disgrace' and questioned the professionalism of some of the club's players.
Furious at witnessing the worst defeat in the club's 131-year history, Hudgell says it was the lowest moment of his nine years in charge at Craven Park.
And he has accused some Rovers' players of focusing solely on winning the Good Friday derby, turning up on Monday and letting paying fans down by being in the wrong mind-set.
Wigan's 15-try romp came just three days after KR had celebrated a 23-10 derby victory over Hull FC at the KC Stadium.
And Hudgell says it is simply not acceptable to point to the cross-city win when attempting to defend the non-show against the Warriors.
"Many of the players were a disgrace to the shirt on Monday and their lack of effort let the club and the fans down.
"It was, without doubt, the lowest point of my tenure at the club to date, and left me reflecting on many things, including my ongoing commitment," Hudgell told the Mail. "There is no excuse for it, and the argument of there being two games over Easter doesn't wash with me.
"Wigan came prepared to play, whereas it was clear that the mind-set amongst some of our players was wrong from the moment they set foot on the pitch. It simply wasn't good enough. It shows a distinct lack of professionalism and an acceptance that being average will do. It won't do for me and it won't do for our loyal fans either.
"If we think winning a derby is the be all and end all, we should think again.
"Hull lost to us, but look at how they responded. We have to do better."
Whilst going short of naming individuals he was unhappy with, Hudgell says he again feels, like last season, that too many players are not playing with pride in the shirt.
"I feel sorry for the likes of Graeme Horne, Josh Hodgson, Kris Welham and Mickey Paea, who ran their blood to water in both games," he added.
"For some though, it's a case of crocodile tears after a defeat. They make it look like it hurts, but clearly it doesn't."
Hudgell's comments will bring into question again the long-term future of coach Craig Sandercock, who is yet to be offered a new deal, even though his contract expires at the end of this season. Hudgell had said before the season that his position would be reviewed after the Easter weekend.
"There is no decision as yet on Craig, and at present I am not putting any timescale on it either.
"It would be unfair to judge him on the strength of the emotional backlash to Monday," Hudgell said.
TRAVIS Burns has been banned for two matches after being found guilty of a Grade B high tackle in the derby.
