Manly’s Tongan powerhouse Addin Fonua-Blake got a two-week ban after being found guilty early on Sunday for his horrific verbal abuse by referee Grant Atkins.
The Sea Eagles striker has now been reported to target the referee a second time after a controversial end to Manly’s loss to the Newcastle Knights.
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A message needs to be sent
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According to Mark Levy of 2 GB Radio, Fonua-Blake “had a second try with the whistleblower in the tunnel that was seen and heard by NRL and club officials”.
The content of the alleged second spray has not been released.
The incident raises further doubts about the appropriateness of the punishment imposed on Fonua-Blake – which is already the subject of considerable criticism.
Regarding NRL 360, the panel argued that a two-week sentence was insufficient given the seriousness of the situation.
Paul Kent said, “James Graham tried Gerard Sutton where he did it (he confronted the referee and pointed him in the face), but he didn’t abuse him or insult him with a name. And he got four weeks and took the early request to reduce it to three.
“Steve Roach, when he patted Eddie Ward on the head, was fined five thousand dollars and four weeks.
“This guy calls the referee an effing r **** d, and when the referee says ‘you were sent, go’, he says ‘eff off’ and he gets two weeks. How did you deal with it so well? “
Ben Ikin agreed and admitted how offensive the terminology used by the Manly star was.
Manly’s bad tirade
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“In the past 24 hours, people around me have reminded me that using this word is very offensive to people with disabilities.
“The fact that this was not recognized – neither by the player nor by the club or by the NRL – is, in my view, a problem that needs to be addressed.
“It is now up to the game – the player, the club, the governing body – to ensure that it will be addressed in the next few days.
“Compared to previous incidents, and considering the severity of the language used, I think the game needs to send a message.”
Fonua-Blake apologized in a statement by the Sea Eagles on Sunday evening – but could not recognize how deeply offensive his words were.
“Referees have a very difficult job and we all have to respect their decisions, even if we may not agree with them,” he said.
“I shouldn’t have let my feelings overwhelm me and I am very sorry for the comments I made.
“I also want to sincerely apologize to anyone who is offended by the unfortunate language I have used. I have let myself and my club down. This is not who I am or what this association stands for. “
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