Kangaroos forward Angus Crichton will challenge his two-match penalty notice following dangerous play that left Samoa’s Chanel Harris-Tavita knocked out cold during Australia’s 30-10 win at the World Cup final at Old Trafford in the weekend.
Many thought the back-rower should have received more than a yellow card when he took a forearm to the head of Samoa’s hooker, five minites into the second half of the grand final.
Crichton raised his elbow and struck the Samoa hooker after dropping the ball. Harris-Tavita fell to the ground and was completely motionless as medics attended to him.
The 23 year old was forced to leave the field and remained sidelined due to concussion protocols.
The two-match ban means Crichton, who plays for Sydney Roosters in the NRL, is set to be sidelined for the opening rounds of the 2023 NRL season. His challenge before the
Harris-Tavita had earlier this year shocked the Rugby League World by announcing he’d be taking a break from the sport after the world cup.
The knock to his head wasn’t an ideal finish to Samoan hooker’s career if indeed he will now hang up his boots.
Crichton has apologised to Harris-Tavita, his family snd the Samoan community, insistijg that there was no vicious intent in the incident which angered Samoa Coach Matt Parish, who felt it was a no brainer red card infringement.
“Five minutes into the second half he gets elbowed in the head, gets carted off and the referee makes a weak decision to put him in the bin, I’m dumbfounded,” said Parish.
“It’s an elbow to the head, the hooker gets knocked out and taken out of the game. What do you think?” Parish responded go media questions.
Kangaroos Coach Mal Meninga disagreed and has copped criticism from Samoan fans across the globe. “My view is that he should have stayed on the field, that’s just silly,”
As for Crichton, he has apologised to Harris-Tavita, his family snd the Samoan community, insisting that there was no vicious intent in the incident.
“I didn’t know he was coming and there was no malice at all, sending out my blessings to his family,” Crichton told NRL.com
“I spoke to him after the game and I apologised, whenever I play football I don’t try to injure anyone..
“I just want everyone to know it was just a genuine reaction, I never go out on the field to try and hurt someone,” said the Aussie forward.
“I want to get this message across, and I want to let his family know that I am genuinely sorry. I want to let the Samoa community know that I had no malice at all,” said Crichton
Due to travel arrangements, it is reported Angus Crichton’s challenge against the will be heard later next week due to travel
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