Andrew Fifita tells junior rugby league referee: ‘I’ll smash you’
Phil Rothfield Sports Editor at Large
The Sunday Telegraph
July 25, 2015 9:26PM
STATE of Origin star Andrew Fifita has been accused of physically threatening a referee at a junior rugby league game in Sydney’s west yesterday.
Three volunteer officials had to restrain the Cronulla Sharks forward who allegedly said to the young referee “I’ll smash you” after an ugly incident at full-time involving his twin brother David.
David Fifita was filling in as on-field trainer for St Patricks A grade who were playing against St Marys in Penrith juniors at Meurants Lane in Glenwood
After the match it is alleged David swore a number of times at the referee and abused him for not stopping the game for an injured player.
The 24-year-old referee is a policeman trained in the riot squad, who pulled out his mobile telephone to film David’s abuse as evidence for a junior league judiciary.
According to the referees’ statement, Andrew Fifita then became involved.
“Andrew Fifita observed me recording the incident,” the referee said in his statement.
”Andrew Fifita looked at me, walked inside the roped off area, and said stop recording that now.
“I stepped back and said we’re in a public place and I’m well within my rights.
“Andrew then said, ‘delete that now or I’ll smash you.’
“While saying that, Andrew Fifita charged at me and attempted to snatch my mobile phone which I had in my right hand.
“Numerous people intervened and held Andrew Fifita back, preventing him from grabbing my mobile. He made me feel very threatened and uncomfortable.”
The referee was later escorted to his car.
A Penrith junior official last night said the referee, despite his experience in the police force, was still badly shaken.
Cronulla chief executive Lyall Gorman informed the NRL integrity unit of the incident last night.
“Clearly we take any allegations of abuse towards junior referees very seriously,” said an NRL spokesman, “As in the normal course, the Sharks will now deal with it.
“The NRL will liaise with the club to ensure there is a proper outcome.”
Gorman was reluctant to comment.
“We will request a copy of the report from the Penrith junior rugby league,” Gorman said.
“These are allegations at this stage and we will wait to get the facts and then decide on what action would be appropriate.”
The Penrith junior rugby league will hold a judiciary meeting tomorrow night.
Panthers general manager Phil Gould recent revealed the club had been forced to hire security guards at junior games because of crowd misbehaviour.
