NRL referee Ashley Klein dropped after controversial Warriors semi-final calls
Referee Ashley Klein is set to be dropped from the NRL preliminary finals matches after controversial decisions in the Warriors’ semi-final defeat to Newcastle on Sunday.
Klein took charge of all three State of Origin clashes earlier this year and has been referee for a preliminary final each year since 2020.
After the Warriors’ 12-10 loss, fans threw bottles at Klein and other match officials as they left Eden Park following late calls that went against the home team.
There were three key decisions in the second half of the semi-final, though two of them were aided by the bunker video replay team – a stripping call on Te Maire Martin and a knock-on by Ali Leiataua.
However, Klein judged against a crucial Tyson Frizell escort where he appeared to block Leka Halasima from attempting to contest a high ball in the final minute of the game. A successful penalty attempt from close range would have likely sent the game to golden point extra time.
The Knights will face minor premiers the Penrith Panthers on Sunday while the Dolphins host the Roosters on Friday.
According to The Daily Telegraph and the Sydney Morning Herald, either Grant Atkins or Gerard Sutton will join Adam Gee as the referees for the preliminary finals.
Fans who threw objects at the match officials could be subject to significant sanctions by the NRL.
The NRL is working with Eden Park officials regarding the incident.
“The safety of match officials, along with players, officials and fans is paramount,” an NRL spokesperson told the Herald.
“Anyone found breaching the required standards can expect to be subject to significant sanctions, including being banned from venues.”
Other sanctions outlined in the Spectator Code of Conduct include being barred from buying tickets to any NRL game or facing potential legal action.
Speaking on Ryan Bridge TODAY, Eden Park chief executive Nick Sautner said he would “work through the issue” with the NRL and Warriors.
Sautner said officials would try to track down the culprits and hold them responsible.
“It’s obviously disappointing with an isolated incident at the end of the game. We don’t tolerate that sort of behaviour, but we do want to focus on the fact the fans were outstanding and it’s been a massive season for the Warriors,” Sautner said.
“I think everyone would agree it’s unacceptable ... but from our side, we don’t want to make light of this issue.
“It’s no different to a field invasion. We want to provide a safe working space for our staff and for the players and fans, and that was very disappointing.”