Apology call for sponsor

A leading Sydney lawyer has told One NZ’S chief executive to offer an “immediate and unreserved apology” to two NRL referees – or face a possible defamation payout worth up to $1m.

Jason Paris, CEO of the Warriors’ naming rights sponsor, sensationally accused referee Todd Smith and bunker review official Chris Butler of cheating against the New Zealand team during last weekend’s loss to Penrith.

And in another twist on Monday afternoon, Paris took to social media yet again to stress he does “not think NRL referees are cheating” but suggested there was “unconscious bias” against his club.

He did not apologise for his original accusations.

In an explosive social media rant over the weekend, Paris described some decisions against the Warriors in Magic Round as “cheating of the highest order”.

“He (Paris) called it the worst cheating ever. By saying that, he is making this worse than Lance Armstrong, cheating scandals at the Olympics by East Germany and Russian doping scandals,” said lawyer Paul Mcgirr.

“He is saying because the Warriors weren’t awarded a penalty, this is worse than these particular matters.

“It appears to be defamatory to me, very much so, and it leaves very little doubt that he is referring to the person officiating the bunker (Butler) and also the referee (Smith).

“Defamation proceedings are notoriously and extremely expensive in legal fees and settlement amounts. You would want to have some concrete evidence behind you if you’re going to be accusing an official of cheating. It could cost him between $500,000 and $1m, there is no cap, depending on the damage to the reputation of the two referees.”

Mcgirr – who has represented multiple rugby league players – was shocked at Paris’s comments and warned about legal repercussions.