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NRL threatens fan bans after referee Ashley Klein pelted at Eden Park

The NRL integrity unit is investigating after fans threw bottles and rubbish at Ashley Klein following Newcastle's 12-10 win over the Warriors in Auckland.

Published 1 min read Sportpul editorial
Referee Ashley Klein in yellow kit argues with a Newcastle Kings player in red and blue stripes at Eden Park stadium

The NRL has threatened to ban fans who pelted referee Ashley Klein with bottles, cups and rubbish as he left the field at Eden Park, and its integrity unit is investigating. Newcastle had just beaten the Warriors 12-10 on Sunday.

Vision from after full-time showed security staff protecting Klein as projectiles rained down and fans abused him. The NRL opened an inquiry into potential breaches of its spectators' code of conduct. An integrity investigator was at the ground.

Auckland police said no arrests were made and there were "no issues to note" beyond two pitch invaders. The crowd of 48,511 was the biggest for a rugby league match in New Zealand. The NRL moved the game from Mt Smart.

The abuse followed two contentious calls against the Warriors late in the match, among them the decision not to penalise Tyson Frizell for an escort in the dying minutes.

ARL Commission chairman Peter V'landys told AAP what awaits any fan found responsible. Warriors great Shaun Johnson, speaking on Sky NZ's coverage, called the crowd's response embarrassing.

«If found guilty, they will be banned for a period of time from attending NRL games, It leaves a bit of a sour taste in your mouth, what has been an unbelievable night with the colours, the energy, the happiness and celebration,».

If the investigators identify individual fans, this may mean the first spectator bans to come out of the biggest rugby league crowd New Zealand has seen.

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