The NRL has suspended Raiders coach Ricky Stuart for one game and issued a $25,000 fine for the post-match spat in which Panthers player Jaeman Salmon was labeled a “weak dog”.
The one-week suspension means Stuart can’t attend Canberra Raiders training for seven days, as well as the Raiders’ must-win match in Round 22 against St George Illawarra at GIO Stadium on Monday.
It is also forbidden to make contact with any player, coaching staff or officials, either in person or at a distance.
It also means he will not be able to select the side for Round 23 against the Newcastle Knights.
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Stuart has publicly acknowledged that he overstepped the mark by reaching out to the Panthers’ utility player at the NRL’s post-match press conference.
“The National Rugby League (NRL) has today issued Canberra Raiders head coach Ricky Stuart with a notice of breach following comments directed at Penrith Panthers player Jaeman Salmon,” the NRL released in a statement .
“The breach notice proposes a $25,000 fine for Stuart and a suspension from all club activities with the Canberra Raiders for a full week from 4pm today (Tuesday, August 9 ).
“The period of suspension prohibits Stuart from performing any role as Head Coach of the Raiders, including attending individual or team practices or training sessions or at the Raiders’ facilities. In addition, he may not give instructions or instructions to the team, individual players or Club Officials during the period of suspension, including before, during or after any match within that period.
“Stuart will not be able to return to coaching duties until 4pm on Tuesday 16 August.
“The NRL will now work with both clubs to ensure the welfare of those concerned.”
NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo said there was no place in the game for public comments of this nature.
“Leaders must set the standard in the game. The comments are completely unacceptable from anyone let alone an official of this experience and position.” Abdo said.
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“This is a very unusual case and we have taken the important step of proposing a suspension from his duties for a week. This will be a full suspension which will prevent Ricky from having any involvement with any club activities, either face-to-face or remotely . In addition, the fine must not be paid by the Club but by Ricky himself.”
The Raiders released a statement accepting the NRL’s sanctions.
“The Canberra Raiders and head coach Ricky Stuart acknowledge and accept the sanction handed down by the NRL today, following the comments in last weekend’s post-match press conference,” the Raiders said in a statement.
“The NRL has fined Stuart $25,000 and suspended him for a week. This means he will not be available to coach the team against the St George-Illawarra Dragons this Sunday at GIO Stadium in Canberra.
“The Raiders assistant coaches will take charge of the team during this period and for Sunday afternoon’s game.”
Speaking about the ban on Tuesday, David Riccio of the Daily Telegraph explained that it was tougher than it looks.
“I think it’s tough,” Riccio told NRL360
“If we look at it from the aspect of a player when he is sanctioned, they lose the game.
“The best part of the week for a coach is game day and coaching the game. When a player is suspended he does not miss training. They are still allowed to be part of the group.
“It is very significant. You shouldn’t underestimate how big he is because he can’t do anything.
“He’s basically been out for a week. I’d like him to miss the game and not the whole preparation. I think it’s tough because he takes out what hurts the most and that’s game day. That’s training.”
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