Source :- THE AGE NEWS
The Sydney Roosters have apologised for not referring to South Sydney by name on the Allianz Stadium scoreboard during their home matches, a move described as “disappointing and unprofessional” by Rabbitohs chairman Nicholas Pappas.
As the Roosters confirmed they would no longer refer to Souths as “visiting team” at future games, it emerged the NRL will ask the Bondi club for a “please explain”, with the scoreboard antics a breach of the game’s operational rules.
Alex Johnston after his record-breaking try.Credit: Getty Images
Pappas raised the issue with NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo on Monday as the pair attended the unveiling of a statue in honour of record try-scorer Alex Johnston at Heffron Park.
Johnston was at the centre of powerful scenes on Friday when he scored just after half-time to pass Ken Irvine’s long-standing record of 212 tries.
Thousands of fans ignored the threat of $5500 fines to flood the pitch to celebrate with Johnston. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, South Sydney’s No. 1 ticket holder, also took to the field, which reportedly upset the Roosters.
The decision not to refer to Souths on the scoreboard contravened section 16.7.1 of the NRL operations manual, which states: “A scoreboard and match clock must be provided and display the following information at all times,” including “names of teams”.
Pappas confirmed he had raised the issue with Abdo, who assured him he would be “issuing a letter” to the Roosters.
Souths CEO Blake Solly said of the rules’ breach: “Everyone who knows the ops guideline knows you are meant to name both teams on the scoreboard.
“I’m sure the NRL will take appropriate action at some point. What the Roosters choose to do is their choice.”
The Rabbitohs host the Roosters at Accor Stadium in round 27, but have no appetite to engage in similar antics.
The crowd floods onto Allianz Stadium after Alex Johnston scored.Credit: Getty Images
“We’re better than that,” he said.
“All I know is clubs who breach that manual, including issues like taking too long to convert a try, are routinely warned and fined without a complaint from a rival club. I can only hope it’s not one rule for 16 clubs and another for the Roosters.”
The Roosters issued a statement on Monday, which read: “As the hirer of the ground, the Sydney Roosters – not Venues NSW – are responsible for the delivery of match-day presentation at all our home games.
“At last Friday’s round two fixture, the Allianz Stadium scoreboard referred to South Sydney as the visitors, rather than displaying their logo.
“This was consistent with the wording used during the Roosters’ corresponding home game against the Rabbitohs last season, and was implemented in good faith by the club’s marketing department in recognition of the rivalry between the two clubs, which spans more than a century.
“If this genuinely caused the level of concern suggested, we will cease doing so.
“This approach was taken in the spirit of the rivalry, and the Roosters acknowledged and appreciated the jest shown at Sunday’s NSW Cup fixture at Redfern Oval, where the scoreboard referred to the Roosters as the “visitors”.
“Friday night itself was a tremendous occasion for rugby league, with a capacity crowd at Allianz Stadium, great spirit shown by supporters of both teams, and a fitting acknowledgement of the historic milestone achieved by Alex Johnston.”
Roosters prop Lindsay Collins was not a supporter of what his own club did on the scoreboard, saying on Sunday: “I saw it, but I wasn’t a fan of it, myself. It was lucky we won. I don’t like those sort of things. You have to be a good sport … I don’t know who had control over there, but I wouldn’t have done it.”
