Green’s comments put down to frustration

calls this season and Green’s comments appeared to be the result of weeks of pent-up frustration.

While Annesley made it clear he did not condone the halfback’s comments, the former leading referee cleared him of abusing match officials.

‘‘It depends how you take his comments – they could have been aimed at the NRL,’’ Annesley said during his Monday media briefing. ‘‘I think in relation to the Green comments, they were made on the field in some degree of frustration over a number of weeks.

‘‘I don’t think it falls into the category of abusing anybody. He certainly didn’t abuse the referee. I am not condoning it. He made a comment I don’t agree with, I don’t think he should have made but it was made in frustration and I don’t think anyone would expect any action to flow from that.’’

Blair was given his marching orders after Manase Fainu appeared to run into his back as the Manly hooker chased a kick in-goal.

The Warriors were leading 18-0 at the time but, up against 12 men, the Sea Eagles scored three quick tries before the hosts held on for a 24-16 victory.

Green regretted his comments following the match but remained confused by the ruling.

However, Annesley showed a number of camera angles to explain how Blair subtly impeded Fainu’s path to the ball.

Annesley said he would not contact Green directly but may discuss the incident with Warriors chief executive Cameron George at today’s CEOS conference.