REFEREES supremo Stuart Cummings had admitted there was "an issue" over Widnes's first try in the controversial Super League showdown with the Giants on Sunday.

But the Rugby Football League's match officials director says he saw no difference between the way London whistler Ashley Klein treated the two sides.

Giants coach Jon Sharp launched a blistering attack on refereeing standards in general and Klein in particular after his side's play-off hopes were hit by the 24-18 defeat.

"Their first try (after two minutes) was bounced from a foot in the air and that set the tone," said Sharp, whose side had a late Sean Penkywicz try disallowed for a play-the-ball offence.

"We've been on the end of some harsh penalty counts of late and I definitely need to speak to Stuart Cummings, because obviously my players aren't doing things right."

Cummings, who was at the match, responded: "My door is always open to any coach.

"There was an issue relating to the first Widnes try, but overall I saw no difference with the way the two sides were refereed.

"Ashley Klein is now a regular referee in Super League, and that fact shows that we are happy with his performances."

On the referees' appraisal system operated by the RFL, Cummings explained: "The referee gets a copy of the match video straight away and carries out his own appraisal.

"I also get a copy and carry out my appraisal, then we get together and see if the two marry up. Any issues which arise are dealt with.

"We try to maintain an open dialogue with all coaches as an ongoing process."