NRL Cracks Down on Rogue Fans: Bans Loom for Projectiles Thrown at Referee
The NRL has vowed to ban spectators who threw projectiles at referee Ashley Klein after a contentious match between the Warriors and the Knights. The league's integrity unit is investigating the incident, which marred a record-breaking crowd of 48,511 at Eden Park.
A record crowd of 48,511 spectators witnessed a disturbing display of unruly behaviour at a recent rugby league match in Auckland, with fans throwing projectiles at referee Ashley Klein as he left the field.
Footage showed a barrage of bottles, cups, and rubbish being hurled at Klein as he walked off the field, prompting security to intervene and protect him. The incident occurred after a contentious match between the Warriors and the Knights, which Newcastle won 12-10 at Eden Park.
Investigation Launched
The league's integrity unit has launched an investigation into potential breaches of its spectators' code of conduct. An investigator was present at the ground, and the league has vowed to take action against those responsible.
“If found guilty, they [the fans] will be banned for a period of time from attending NRL games,” ARL Commission chair Peter V'landys said.
Police Response
Auckland police have confirmed that no arrests were made, and there were “no issues to note” other than two pitch invaders.
Reaction to the Incident
Warriors great Shaun Johnson expressed his disappointment at the behaviour of the spectators, labelling it “embarrassing”.
“It leaves a bit of a sour taste in your mouth [after] what has been an unbelievable night with the colours, the energy, the happiness and celebration,” Johnson said on Sky NZ's coverage.
“But there is just no need for it. It's just embarrassing.”
Johnson also praised Klein's refereeing, saying: “Ashley Klein has probably refereed the best game of rugby league I have seen in a long time tonight.”
Warriors coach Andrew Webster also expressed frustration with the refereeing decisions, particularly a bunker strip call on Te Maire Martin and the decision not to penalise Tyson Frizell for a possible escort.
“The last one, [when] two points would have drawn the game, he [Frizell] is going across Leka, pretending to try and catch the ball, which they've told us you can't do,” Webster said.