DAVEY Watt has slammed the “ridiculous” storm created over Dakota North’s omission from Poole Pirates’ semi-final team and accused critics of showing “very little compassion”.

Pirates were granted a guest facility for the second leg of their Elite League play-off semi-final against Coventry with North signed off on medical advice after his father, Rod North, had suffered a serious industrial accident in his native Australia.

North had learned of the accident prior to the first leg at Coventry on Friday but did not share the news with his colleagues or Poole management until he had taken three scoreless rides.

With a medical certificate in place, the Wimborne Road club was able to draft in Edward Kennett for the home meeting, prompting a stinging attack from Coventry promoter Mick Horton on the club’s official website and a series of barbs from Bees supporters on social media.

Horton said: “I do have to question whether this would have happened had Dakota scored 10 points on Friday. I doubt he would then have been missing on Monday.

“When I heard about it I expected to then find he would be on the plane home to Australia, which I would be telling my rider to do in that situation regardless of the cost, but I see instead he was on the golf course on Sunday with Davey Watt.”

In an exclusive interview with the Daily Echo, Watt explained: “We went for a game of golf to try to chill out and take our minds off things but by the time I got off the course, there was so much stuff on the Internet.

“People have totally overreacted.  There are a lot of people who I believe have showed very little compassion towards somebody who is going through something very serious.

“Most people don’t know the full story and don’t have the right to comment but have chosen to take that right.

“It is unfortunate that such a big deal has been made of me and a mate playing a game of golf. It is just ridiculous really.

“Hopefully, Dak will sort out his head, his dad will be okay and he can come to ride at Belle Vue.”

Meanwhile, the 37-year-old Pirates veteran admitted Poole’s 58-31 thumping of Coventry had been less of a surprise than the Bees failing to make home advantage count in the 45-45 draw at Brandon.

Pirates, who consulted their riders before selecting Coventry as their semi-final opponents, now face Belle Vue in a two-legged final on Monday and Wednesday next week.

“A lot of people thought it was a strange pick,” added Watt. “We thought it was the right time to go that way and it was a pretty amazing victory to get through the semi-final in the way we did.

“I think it shocked a lot of people to see Coventry fall away like they did but they have a strong team and deserved to be in the final with us.

“For it to go the way it did was unfortunate for them because they are a better team than they showed.

“It didn’t surprise me so much on Monday because I know we are strong here, it surprised me more at Coventry.

“I felt they would do better on the track they had prepared but we performed really well and I am so proud of the boys.”