ANGRY MAC BITES BACK
Cleared McGillvary blasts ‘outrageous’ charge
JERMAINE McGILLVARY told a World Cup disciplinary hearing he was “outraged” at the damage a biting allegation had done to his reputation before being found not guilty.
The England winger was yesterday cleared of a ‘contrary conduct’ charge after Lebanon captain Robbie Farah made the claim in Saturday’s Test.
England and their Australian lawyer Nick Ghabar presented an hour’s worth of evidence in the case – but the judiciary panel took just three minutes to find McGillvary not guilty.
The 29-year-old was supported with a statement by England doctor and qualified dental surgeon Chris Brookes.
He said that a photo of Farah’s mark on his arm was consistent with a “forearm being inserted into a mouth’’ rather than a bite.
McGillvary was wearing a mouthguard during the match and said Farah had “grapple-tackled” him – a technique where the arm is forced across a player’s face. He said: “I felt his arm above my neck, he’s trying to squeeze me in. It was pushing on my face very hard, I felt like I was about to choke.
“As I went to the floor it got worse, I felt like I was choking. I just wanted to get my mouth out so I could breathe, I wanted to gasp for air. He’s pushed his arm into me. Not once when he put his arm into my mouth did I close my mouth.”
Asked how he felt about being accused of biting, McGillvary responded: “It’s outrageous.
“I’ve been a pro for 10 years and I’ve got an outstanding disciplinary record.
“I’ve never been charged with anything like this. I’m outraged about what it’s done to my reputation.
“I’m not that sort of player. I’ve never bitten someone and I never will.”
Farah (above) was not present and was instead at a civic reception arranged by the tournament organisers in Sydney.
But he did not provide a written statement either – a fact that was highlighted by England’s defence team.
McGillvary’s availability is a major boost to coach Wayne Bennett, who had only named two specialist wingers in his squad and had seen the Huddersfield man develop into the most consistent performer of his two-year tenure.