Cronulla forward Paul Gallen has suffered a blow in his bid to overturn a $50,000 fine for an abusive tweet after the Sharks announced they wouldn’t be supporting or financing his appeal.
The Australia and New South Wales star lashed out on social media following the exit of Cronulla chief executive Steve Noyce.
He wrote: “Steve Noice (sic) actually cared about the players from Cronulla’s feelings. Couldn’t say that about any other c*** at the NRL.”
Gallen is reportedly considering an appeal on the grounds his foul-mouthed outburst was misinterpreted and that he is simply guilty of swearing.
“It’s unbelievable – I’ve got to fight it,” he said.
“The last time I didn’t fight something (the ASADA doping ban for which he and several Sharks team-mates are currently serving a suspension) I regretted it. I will this time.
“How can they justify it? Blokes get fined $10,000 for an assault. Others have been arrested and not been fined anything.”
Cronulla chairman Damian Keogh revealed the club wouldn’t be funding an appeal, adding in an interview with Fairfax media that any Sharks fans “would be sacked” for speaking to their boss in such a way.
Meanwhile, NRL judiciary chairman Paul Conlon has resigned from his post to protest the severity of Gallen’s punishment.
“No player in the history of the game has been under as much pressure, stress and tension as Paul Gallen over the last two years,” Conlon said.
