Panthers call for end to post-match interviews

PANTHERS chairman Dave O’Neill has controversially called for all NRL post-match press conferences involving coaches to be banned, in the wake of Ivan Cleary’s $20,000 fine for questioning the integrity of match officials.

Penrith has been left reeling from the hefty fine handed out to Cleary on

Monday, with the coach revealing he will respond to the breach notice.

But O’Neill believes Cleary (pictured) should never have been put in that position in the first place, arguing post-match press conferences leave coaches vulnerable to emotional outbursts. Instead he wants media interviews with coaches held 24 hours after a game, to allow them time to collect their thoughts and also enjoy dressing room celebrations with victorious s players.

“If you don’t t want coaches to comment — and if you don’t like emo- tional responses — then don’t have the h i interviews,” O’Neill said.

“If you want to have after-game interviews that are more structured, then h hold them a day after t the game. The reality is they are done in the heat of the moment.” At the post-match p press conference, held just 15 minutes after full time of his side’s 28-12 win over Canberra on Saturday night, Cleary alleged Canberra was “managed back into the game” by referee Gerard Sutton in the second half after the Raiders trailed 24-0.

ARL Commission chairman Peter V’landys slammed Cleary’s comments as “deplorable”, which preceded the $20,000 breach notice issued on Monday.

“If people want to critique the coaches and be critical then don’t have them (interviewed) straight after the game,” O’Neill said.