DEREK Beaumont has hit out at Bulls head coach Jimmy Lowes and managing director Steve Ferres as an RFL investigation gets underway into Sunday’s Championship opener at Leigh.

Paul Rowley’s side beat Bradford 36-24 during a heated encounter which saw referee Joe Cobb brandish six yellow cards, three for either side.

Lowes branded the officials “a disgrace” while Leigh’s head of rugby Beaumont was seen taunting visiting players and staff during the second half as the hosts roared back to take the spoils.

Both clubs are set to make complaints to the RFL about each other’s conduct following a fiery encounter which saw Danny Williams and Gregg McNally sinbinned during the first half.

The pair clashed and a mass brawl ensued and it is also believed a further confrontation took place shortly after the final whistle as both sets of players made their way to the dressing room.

While the Bulls are understood to have lodged complaints with the RFL about Beaumont’s conduct during the game, Leigh are also set to do likewise.

Beaumont felt Lowes’ post-match comments about referee Cobb were poor form and said Ferres’ pre-season prediction about the Bulls’ promotion rivals had also angered Leigh.

Beaumont said: “It is always disappointing when club officials and employees lower themselves to the level of criticising their opponents or the referee in defeat.

“Sport is frustrating but sometimes it takes a strong individual to look in the mirror and accept they were beaten by a better team on the day.

“In my experience those who are unable to do this rarely move on and progress.

“I have to admit I have been somewhat amused by the comments of Bradford coach James Lowes and some of the Bradford players in the recent press articles I have had brought to my attention.

“We keep a close eye on our opponents and their press. It is interesting to look at Bradford press cuttings since last December.

“They wrote our team talk for us, none more so than Steve Ferres, the managing director of the Bradford Bulls, who when looking forward to the challenge facing his team named every club except Leigh.

“That omission came back and bit him firmly on the rear on Sunday.

“It was certainly a 'Big Show' at LSV from our forwards and in particular Fuifui Moimoi.

"To suggest we resorted to tactics expected from a Championship club is disrespectful to the quality of the Kingstone Press Championship.

“Correct me if I am wrong but wasn't it the Bradford player who started to punch Gregg McNally in the face?

“In the end class always shows through and this was evident with the quality of tries we scored and then cemented in the respective coaches’ post-match interviews.

“Whilst Lowes slated highly rated young 2014 Championship Referee of the year Joe Cobb, Paul Rowley showed his class and composure by stating he had been given a difficult day made more difficult by both sides.

“Bradford should not feel embarrassed by losing to us. We beat a strong Wigan side pre season and ran Leeds close last season in the Challenge Cup quarter-final.

“We are a quality side who have a top drawer professional coach leading a very passionate young group of players with believe on a journey we have mapped out.

“It is not a disgrace to come undone by that.

“I thought Bradford played well. In fact they played much better than we had assessed from their friendlies.

“They are a good side and that will become more evident as the season progresses.  However, they will need to show more respect to this competition than they did at Leigh.

“In the end, the class of 'Rolls' fixed things up and we ran in a 30 point to 4 drubbing in the second half with their only score being a weak try conceded unchallenged from a dropped ball.

“Our fans will be encouraged by that and I hope those lapsed fans returning will buy into our beliefs.

“I also hope that the magnificent following fans from Bradford keep the faith in their side and continue to put some much needed revenue around the Championship clubs.”

Beaumont admitted he stepped over the line with his behaviour during Sunday’s game but he pointed the finger of blame at Bradford for inciting him.

He said: “I do not wish to be drawn on the situation as it is currently under investigation, other than to say I have never been treated in such a manner in my life, let alone during my time in Rugby League.

“I rose to the bait. I should be better than that and I apologise to anybody who witnessed that, as it is not my persona.

“I suppose they had to have one win on the day and I am happy for that to be them goading me whilst we took the two points.

“We are conducting our own investigation into the significant number of complaints we have received from spectators and media personnel, in particular over events that occurred in the so-called sterile area outside the changing rooms.

“We will make these findings available to the RFL and we are confident they will act accordingly.

“On behalf of the coaching staff and players I would like to thank the Leigh fans for their huge support and we look forward to seeing the same vociferous support for the boys during a tough challenge at the Shay against Halifax on Sunday."