Investigation Launched as Fans Target Referee With Projectiles in Auckland

The National Rugby League has issued a stern warning of bans for spectators who bombarded referee Ashley Klein with debris, as the league’s integrity unit scrutinizes the aftermath of the Eden Park incident.

Footage captured after Newcastle’s 12-10 victory over the Warriors on Sunday depicted Klein being struck by a barrage of bottles, cups, and waste as he made his exit from the playing surface.

The video evidence shows Klein requiring protection from security personnel while fans verbally abused the seasoned official and showered him with projectiles.

The NRL swiftly initiated an inquiry into potential violations of its spectator code of conduct, with an Integrity Unit investigator already present at the venue.

“Should they be found guilty, they face a ban from attending NRL matches for a specified duration,” ARL Commission chairman Peter V’landys informed AAP.

Auckland police have confirmed that no arrests were necessary, noting “no issues to report” aside from two individuals who invaded the pitch.

Sunday’s attendance of 48,511 set an all-time record for a rugby league match in New Zealand, following the NRL’s decision to relocate the fixture from Mt Smart.

The crowd hostility erupted following two controversial rulings against the Warriors late in the match, notably a decision to refrain from penalising Tyson Frizell for an escort in the final moments.

Warriors legend Shaun Johnson condemned the crowd’s reaction following the match, describing it as “embarrassing”.

“It leaves a bitter aftertaste, especially given what was an unbelievable night filled with colour, energy, happiness, and celebration,” Johnson stated during Sky NZ’s broadcast. “However, there was absolutely no justification for it. It was simply embarrassing.”

“Ashley Klein has likely officiated the finest game of rugby league I have witnessed in a long time this evening. He exhibited zero gamesmanship with players feigning injury and refused to let them whine at him.”

“He did not make the match about himself. He allowed the players to compete, and they ultimately dictated the result.”

Warriors coach Andrew Webster expressed his frustration during the post-match press conference, pointing to a bunker strip infringement on Te Maire Martin and the failure to penalise Frizell for a potential escort on Leka Halasima.

“The latter would have drawn the game. He ran across Leka, pretending to attempt to catch the ball, which they have explicitly told us is illegal,” Webster asserted.

This incident follows a similar occurrence in the AFL, where umpires had cans thrown at them as they departed the MCG after Hawthorn’s narrow defeat to Brisbane in Saturday night’s preliminary final.

The AFL has also denounced the behaviour and issued warnings of minimum five-year bans for any fans found culpable.

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