The chief executive of the Warriors’ major sponsor who launched a scathing attack on the game’s officials has issued a public apology after agreeing with the NRL to “unconditionally withdraw” his remarks.
Jason Paris, the CEO of telecommunications company One NZ, slammed the NRL’s officials as the Warriors lost to the Panthers 18-6 in Magic Round.
“I unreservedly apologise for the comments I made about NRL match officials,” Paris wrote on Twitter on Friday.
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“I am a passionate rugby league fan and have been for decades. I made those comments in the heat of the moment and am sorry for any impact they may have had on the reputation of any NRL referee.
“NRL referees are not cheats and are not biased. They go to work every week and do a tough job so that we get to enjoy the greatest game. Impugning their professionalism was a mistake. People can watch a game of footy and legitimately question the decision-making, but questioning the integrity of officials is unacceptable.
“Like many Warriors supporters I back my team 100 per cent and will continue to do so.
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“I hope we can move past this distraction and focus on enjoying the game we all love.”
Paris released the statement moments after the NRL said in a press release that he had agreed to apologise publicly.
“Are you kidding me?” Paris wrote as the Warriors fell to the Panthers.
“How biased are the NRL Bunker and referees against the Warriors?
“Have they got money on them to lose?
“It’s like we are permanently against 14 on the field and they want us to play with 12.”
Paris also blasted the officiating as “cheating of the highest order”.
“Respecting and protecting NRL referees and match officials is a matter of critical importance to the NRL,” the NRL said in its statement on Friday.
“While there may be differences of view about particular decisions made during a game, comments that call into question the integrity or honesty of NRL referees and match officials are baseless and unacceptable.
“The NRL considers this matter closed, but all those associated with the game should know that any comments that call into question the integrity of NRL referees and match officials will not be tolerated in our game.”
The Warriors will face the Dolphins at Auckland’s Mt Smart Stadium from 3pm on Saturday (AEST).
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