NRL star fumes over Rugby League World Cup ban after panel including ex-Leeds Rhinos man dismissed second appeal

Tomorrow Lebanon battle Ireland in a huge game which could be the game of the round.

Both teams know that a win will effectively secure their place in the quarter-finals where they’re set to meet Australia.

However, the build up has been overshadowed by a touch of controversy.

In their last game, Lebanon were giving a good count of themselves against the world number one ranked side New Zealand.

They only trailed 18-12 after tries from Josh Mansour and Abbas Miski however the game started to get away from the Cedars after some Joey Manu magic and seemingly tempers boiled over as star stand-off and Wests Tigers man Adam Doueihi had a word with the referee culminating in Doueihi being sent off.

Doueihi was later given a one-match ban for the incident with the Tigers man being charged with using “foul and abusive language” towards a match official.

Doueihi appealed the ban in front of a panel including the usual RFL disciplinary such as ex-Warrington coach Paul Cullen.

The appeal failed culminating in an independent tribunal as Doueihi appealed again and again failed leaving him out of the big game against Ireland.

Frustrated by the failed appeals, Doueihi has opened up on his frustrations telling the Daily Telegraph: “Grant heard what he thought he heard. It went to the judiciary and we had four or five witnesses on our side all saying the same thing I said: I didn’t say that.”

Following the independent tribunal, the Rugby League World Cup released the following statement revealing how the verdict was reached and the role a former Leeds Rhinos man in the shape of Adrian Morley played in it.

If anyone knows anything about high profile red cards in international games, it’s him.

The statement read: “Adam Doueihi (Lebanon) was unsuccessful in his appeal against a one-match suspension for Grade A Foul and/or abusive language to a Match Official during the match against New Zealand on 16 October.

“A summary of the minutes from the Judiciary Appeals Tribunal will be available shortly. Doueihi will now serve a one-match ban and miss Sunday’s clash against Ireland.

“Tribunals are independent of the RLWC2021, made up of a legally qualified Chair and assisted by side members with relevant experience such as ex-professional players, coaches or match officials. RLWC2021 would like to thank the Judiciary Appeals Tribunal panel HHJ Sarah Wright, Alan Hunte and Adrian Morley.”