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“Disgusting” – Penrith Panthers fans rage over “fixed” World Club Challenge

The Australian media haven’t taken well to Penrith Panthers’ World Club Challenge loss to Wigan Warriors, but their fans have reacted even worse.

Consensus reaction from down under has been one that’s slated match official Liam Moore with claims of bias banded about by ex-NRL winger Josh Mansour and former Australian international Mark Geyer insinuated a robbery.

Geyer took to social media where he argued: “Ya gotta beat more than the 17 in Wigan jerseys! 3 shocking decisions from the dude in the blue shirt wearing a balaclava.”

For anyone who hasn’t watched the match yet it was Liam Moore wearing the blue shirt with Penrith in their black away strip as the visitors.

If Geyer’s reaction as an Australian was over the top then the reactions of the die-hard Panthers fans were at another level.

In response to a post by the NRL’s official X account, one Panthers fan was absolutely seething as he labelled Moore a cheat.

They reacted: “I have never seen such blatantly gross cheating refereeing in my entire life! Disgusting!”

Another had claimed that Super League had “fixed” the game as they referenced the controversial Jake Wardle try that many had deemed either short or as a result of a double movement.

Reacting to a highlights package, one fan asked: “Does the SL know that rigging World Club Challenge is not going to turn around their fortunes? Someone might want to tell them, they fixed this game big time. Double movement for days.”

“I thought NRL referees were bad” – Fans from down under can’t believe decisions made in World Club Challenge

Liam Moore reffed the World Club Challenge

With the Penrith fans fuming at the refereeing decisions, other NRL fans were just grateful that they weren’t subject to such a standard of officiating.

Former NRL player and current NRLW coach Jamie Soward had earlier asked why the NRL didn’t take over their own officials, given that they were the “elite competition”.

That sentiment has been echoed by plenty of NRL fans who have since vowed not to complain about their refs after witnessing Wigan Warriors win.

“I will never complain about the NRL referees again,” claimed one.

Another added: “I thought NRL refs were bad, the English just proved they have one that’s worse.”

Many of the replies also came from Super League fans who were apologising on behalf of the competition for some of the officiating decisions.

“Liam Moore just shafted you guys,” one argued, elaborating by saying: “Our referees over here are an embarrassment to the sport. Should’ve been an NRL ref.”

Another said: “Apologies from super league. I don’t know whether Panthers fans are actually bothered. But my god, get yourselves home and thank yourself lucky you don’t have to put up with that type of officiating week in week out! Please pray for us!”

Regardless of what decisions Liam Moore made, Wigan Warriors still put in an incredible performance to ensure that the World Club Challenge trophy remains in England for another year.

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1 Comment

1 Comment

  1. G

    February 26, 2024 at 12:07 pm

    Wigan might have put the effort in. But they didn’t wìn the game did they. Penrith perfectly one on one steal, player put the ball down under the sticks. 6 points. Disallowed what for ??? . Last try in the corner, moore arrived too late to judge whether or not the ball was down. Wrong decision. Wardle tackled at least a foot or more before the line
    Tackle completed. How did he get near the line. ????.
    So tell me how did Wigan win the game. They are not doing super league any good. Makes a mockery of the British game.

    Reply

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