LEARNING disability charity Mencap have condemned language used by Warrington Wolves head coach Steve Price during a post-match interview

In speaking to Sky Sports in the immediate aftermath of the 44-18 win over Leigh Centurions, Price's choice of words to describe young second rower Ellis Longstaff's performance attracted criticism on social media with clips circulating widely.

The club distanced themselves from the comments in a statement, calling them "wholly unacceptable."

And now Vijay Patel, Campaigns Assistant at Mencap - a UK charity that works with people with a learning disability - slammed the comments.

Mr Patel, who himself has a learning disability, said:  “Words like this are unacceptable.

"As a sports fan, it is upsetting and I cannot believe we are in 2021 and things like this are still being said.

"Some people might think it’s just words but name-calling can encourage bullying and discrimination towards people with a learning disability, like me.

“People need to think before they speak.

"We also need better understanding of learning disability, then people would understand how language like this can affect someone with a learning disability and hurt their feelings. We are people too.”

Price corrected himself during his post-match press conference with the wider media.

Warrington Wolves went on to say Price had apologised and that the matter will be dealt with internally.

"The club acknowledges the hurtful and derogatory language used by head coach Steve Price during tonight's post-match Sky Sports interview," the statement read.

"The term is wholly unacceptable and its usage has no place in the sport or society.

"Steve has since apologised, expressing his extreme regret and disappointment and corrected his remarks in his post-match press conference.

"The Club will make no further comment and the matter will be dealt with internally."