Ref banned, coach/players suspended
The Fiji National Rugby League has banned a referee for his involvement in a brawl during last week’s match between Police Sharks and Lami Steelers.
Poasa Ravea has been banned for three years by the FNRL judiciary yesterday.
There were eight cases altogether, two cases regarding referee, one case regarding a coach, while five involved players.
Burenitu Cowboys and Makoi Bulldogs were not awarded any points after the players were involved in a brawl.
FNRL acting CEO, Don Natabe said they would not tolerate any form of violence.
“Warning to everyone, that any form of misconduct or violence will not be tolerated,” he said.
“FNRL does not condone any form of misconduct whether it be striking or verbally abusing match officials, players or spectators.
“That referee has been banned from officiating at any rugby league match, refereeing or touch judging for three years.
“We have given him other avenues in which he could be involved in the game but not officiating. Refs are in charge of the game and we expect them to abide by the highest standard.
“Referees or match officials should not be involved in the brawl.
“We want to ensure that it is safe for everyone so that more people can come and experience the best rugby league action in the country. “Makoi Bulladogs coach Eliki Ledua, has been suspended for the 2020 season and all FNRL sanctioned events.
FNRL has established rehabilitation process for all offenders and we have given the opportunity to officiate during the match days and other activities.
“To help them look at the game from a different perspective, from the lens of those who officiate the game and to see how difficult it is to put a match day together, they will be game officials on match days,” Natabe said.
The other referee, Atunaisa Uluibokola, who officiated in the match of Makoi Bulldogs and Burenitu Cowboys has been suspended for the season.
“He will not be officiating as a ref
eree for the entire season, unless we can review his performance moving forward.”
Natabe has assured supporters of rugby league that they will buffer on security during this week’s games.
He also said that there were some laxities by the match officials.
Players suspended for misconduct for four weeks are: Josateki Bogidrau (Lami Steelers), Roseru Osea (Nausori Bulldogs),Semi
Cakau (Topline Warriors) Uwa (Topline Warriors), Pauliasi Kuli (Burenitu Cowboys) and Josateki Koyamaibole( Makoi Bulldogs).