Leigh coach Kieron Purtill admitted he could not defend Peter Mata'utia after the fullback was sent off during his side's 52-22 Challenge Cup quarter-final defeat to Leeds.
The ex-Newcastle and St George Illawarra player made a dangerous lift on Rhinos hooker Matt Parcell in the 10th minute and was given his marching orders by referee Chris Kendall before winger Matty Dawson followed suit for dissent in the closing stages.
Leigh had struck first through prop Nathan Mason's close-range score but Brian McDermott's side took control after Mata'utia's sending off and led 40-12 at the break, eventually running in nine tries.
"Peter's sending off had a big effect on the game but I've no complaints with the decision," Purtell said.
"Peter has been fantastic for us all season and he hasn't got a nasty bone in him.
"He goes out to play the game how rugby league should be played and he doesn't need me to say it was the wrong thing to do.
"He's upset in there because he knows he's let himself and the group down. We have to rally round him now."
McDermott was gracious towards his opponents even though the game was sometimes ill-tempered.
"I didn't think Leigh played grubby. Derek Beaumont (Leigh owner) has just accosted me out there and reminded me they're not that sort of team and I agree," he said.
"It was a tough, solid performance from us and of course the early sending off would have affected Leigh. The dynamic changed dramatically, it made it an easier day for us. It was a sending off but I don't think he meant to do it."
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