The fallout from Penrith Panthers fans mocking the Canberra Raiders’ iconic Viking clap has continued, with Raiders coach Ricky Stuart fuming over a question regarding the chant.
Stuart and Raiders skipper Jack Wighton fronted the press conference after the Panthers claimed a 36-6 win at BlueBet Stadium, and one of the questions posed to them was about the fans mocking the Viking clap.
“I have got no thoughts mate,” Stuart said in response to the question. “Is that really a big focus point?”
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Wighton was then asked about it and issued his own terse response.
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“I have got no comment mate,” Wighton said, with his answer followed by Stuart threatening to walk out of the press conference.
“Well if that is all we have got to talk about,” Stuart said after Wighton’s answer, as he motioned to leave. “F–k me dead.”
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Despite the annoyance from the Raiders camp about the fans’ behaviour, Panthers coach Ivan Cleary did not see any issues.
“How do you answer a question about what the crowd do?” Cleary said.
“My experience in rugby league is the away teams crowds give it to you constantly.
“All the best stories are from some of the crowds you have got to face. I don’t think anyone should be getting too sensitive about stuff like that.
“The crowd pay their money. They are the lifeblood of the game. It is not just your home crowd, it is every crowd.
“That is what you want. You want people turning up in droves, which has been happening. I would imagine because I don’t really know, that it is just a bit of fun and games.”
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