Penrith Panthers coach Ivan Cleary's expletive-laden rant to referee Ashley Klein revealed
With the Panthers being out-played and out-enthused by a spirited Raiders outfit on the weekend, one could forgive Penrith coach Ivan Cleary for letting off a few choice words in the direction of referee Ashley Klein.
However, those words led to an official NRL investigation, where coaches, players and staff had to give witness statements as evidence.
What did Cleary say that caused these probes to have to take place?
As Daily Telegraph NRL journalist Phil "Buzz" Rothfield revealed, it came down to conjecture and issues with Klein's perceived lack of control around the ruck - with Cleary feeling his players weren't being awarded due penalties for the Raiders' indiscretions and overt gamesmanship.
Ivan Cleary could be forced to pay up for comments he made to referee Ashley Klein at half-time AAP
It's alleged that Cleary spoke to Klein, saying:
"Ashley, they're F----ng lying all over us."
Rothfield continues, saying that Cleary pleaded with Klein to use his whistle more after oranges.
"You can't let them."
"You've got to stop them."
As Rothfield also states, the issue lies not as much in the comments themselves, but rather their timing, NRL head of football Graham Annesley reminding media officials that it is prohibited for coaches and support staff to interact with any official before full-time.
Cleary faces a fine if he is found guilty of a breach.
