NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo has confirmed coach Des Hasler’s post-match criticism of the referees after Manly’s loss to Parramatta is being reviewed.
Following his side’s last-gasp loss after star Eel Mitch Moses slotted through a game-winning conversion from the sideline, Hasler called out several incidents from the match that he claimed led to his side’s loss.
His frustrations were levelled with the decision to penalise Christian Tuipulotu for a high tackle late in the game while declaring the match as a whole was marred with “dubious calls” from referee Ben Cummins.
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Manly players on Tuesday shared in their coach’s frustrations, with forward Josh Aloiai adding: “We were pretty hard done by, for the most part, the ref did us no favours, particularly in the back end of the game. I think he did a bad job and we didn’t get away with the win. So I’m pretty unhappy with him, to be honest with you.”
Abdo addressed Manly’s frustrations and revealed Hasler’s comments were being reviewed by the league, which could see the coach fined if the league chooses to take action.
“His comments are under review, so I won’t talk specifically about his comments, but I will talk generally,” Abdo said.
“Everyone needs to take a bit of a breath and show respect for what is a very difficult job.
“I think we all need to move towards being more respectful and more professional generally.
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“Respect for match officials and referees is important, not just at the NRL level … we all have a job to do to recognise, respect and acknowledge the difficult job the match officials do. They do a good job.
“They make mistakes from time to time, that’s normal. It’s a professional sport, there are a lot of 50/50 calls that could go either way.
“Our fans are passionate, there will always be debate in any sport, but this concept of thinking referees are deliberately making mistakes or not heavily scrutinised following the match on an independent basis, is not true.”
Hasler is no stranger to copping fines for post-match comments.
In 2015, while coaching at the Bulldogs, he was fined $20,000 for fierce criticism over referees’ handling of the 10-metre rule in a win over Newcastle.
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