Addin Fonua-Blake will learn today how rigorously the NRL’s Match Review Committee judges his abuse of an arbitrator in Manly’s loss to Newcastle.
Important points:
- Fonua-Blake was dismissed after the siren for describing the umpire as a “damn delay”.
- He is waiting for his NRL punishment today, which could range from a fine to a suspension
- He apologized to the referee after the game
Fonua-Blake was dispatched from the field on Sunday after the siren at Brookvale Oval after a controversial decision at the last minute in the 14:12 loss.
On television, the support of the Sea Eagles was clearly perceived, which referee Grant Atkins described as “damned backward” before he was marched off the field.
The Manly fire apologized immediately after leaving the field and later again in a statement from the NRL club.
“Referees have a very difficult job and we all have to respect their decisions, even if we may not agree with them,” said Fonua-Blake
“I would also like to sincerely apologize to anyone who is offended by the unfortunate language I have used. I have failed myself and my club.
“This is not who I am or what this club stands for.”
But it cannot save him from a ban.
Since it has no transfer points or weights, a violation of Class 1 behavior would only result in a fine.
A second class would mean he missed a game with an early confession of guilt, while a third class would spend two weeks on the sidelines.
The Match Review Committee could choose to send it directly to the judiciary if they would like to ban it for further weeks without an initial assessment.
Newcastle supporter David Klemmer escaped with a first-class charge and a fine after being accused of referring to a referee as a “fucking idiot” in the last round of last year.
The incident on Sunday happened after Manly was upset for not receiving a last minute penalty when winger Tevita Funa chased his own kick on the siren.
The play was sent to the bunker for a possible criminal trial or professional foul, but video officer Jared Maxwell found no wrongdoing by Knights Tex Hoy and Bradman Best.
In the meantime, Martin Taupau, who supports Manly, was also examined by the Match Review Committee for a high level of success at Sione Mata’utia.
The shot in the first half was punished but not reported.
Even if he were charged, it would be highly unlikely that he would get a high enough grade to justify anything other than a fine.
AAP
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