'Absolutely pathetic' reaction to 'shameful' act
I’ve seen and heard some disgraceful attacks on the NRL referees in my 17 years covering the game, but the pile on directed at Kasey Badger on Saturday afternoon was reprehensible.
It started with the shocking behaviour and lack of respect shown by the players on the field and continued with the keyboard cowards on social media.
I was embarrassed to be a rugby league fan over the weekend knowing there are so-called supporters who think vile and abusive comments are acceptable.
Yes, it wasn’t one of Kasey’s better games, she lost control of the match and looked flustered at times, but she’s human and we all make mistakes.
Badger has worked tirelessly for a crack at the NRL and she deserves to be there. It’s not a tokenistic appointment because she’s a woman, Kasey has toiled away and proven herself worthy of selection in the top grade like everyone else.
To criticise and berate the whistleblower because she’s a woman is shameful and those who stooped to that level should collectively hang their heads in shame. The same goes for David Klemmer who attempted to stand over her on the field.
I would have thought that sort of behaviour warrants a significant penalty to draw a line in the sand, but the Wests Tigers forward will be forced to pay a paltry $3,000 fine.
What sort of a message does that send to the young women, in fact anyone who is thinking about becoming a referee. You’ll be stood over by a front-rower twice your size and the best the NRL can do is fine him $3,000 — it’s absolutely pathetic.
- For more: Elrisala website and for social follow us on Facebook
- Source of information and images “nine“
