NRL takes action after weekend of gaffes - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

NRL takes action after weekend of gaffes

By Billy Freeman and Daniel Pace 22/03/2004 07:04:42 PM Comments (0)

Four NRL officials have been axed following a weekend of blunders in round two of the competition.

Aussie Stadium ground manager Bob Lanigan was stood down for the most glaring error when the golden point match between Wests Tigers and South Sydney on Sunday was not stopped after five minutes of extra time to change ends, as the rules stipulate.

Instead, officials let the game continue and Souths halfback Willie Peters potted a field goal in the seventh minute of extra time to give the Rabbitohs a 17-16 victory.

NRL chief executive David Gallop said the official match result was unlikely to be altered, despite a written submission from the Tigers who want the two points shared between the clubs.

"It's a very difficult precedent you'd be setting in those circumstances," Gallop said.

"I feel for the Wests Tigers. Obviously in any close game like that you feel for the losing team, particularly in a situation where there's been a blunder.

"But there will be mistakes again this year by referees, although I hope not too many.

"I certainly hope there will not be any other situations where referees don't know the rules."

Tigers chief executive Steve Noyce said there were at least four paid NRL officials at the game who should also be held accountable for the gaffe.

"The result was achieved outside the NRL rules and I don't think there's any question about that," said Noyce, who would not rule out legal action if the NRL failed to amend the result to a draw.

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