Football fans lashed out at officials during the NRL Grand Final claiming referees needed to “go to Specsavers” after disallowing a try to a Melbourne Storm in the second half.
With Penrith taking a 10-6 lead into the second half, Jack Howarth appeared to force his way over the try line.
On-field umpire Ashley Klein could not definitively confirm whether the ball had been grounded, instead referring to the bunker review system.
But after reviewing the footage, the video referee confirmed that the Storm center had not grounded the ball, much to the disdain of many fans online, who believed it was an attempt.
“Bunker needs to go to @SpecsaversAU. It was a try #NRLGF,” wrote one on X (formerly Twitter).
Another added: “Hahaha, the bunker didn’t see the ball hit the ground?”
“@NRL ensures the NSW bias is stronger than ever,” one said.
“Storm totally killed it,” one wrote.
Another said: ‘NRL grand final.’ Bull bunker.
Melbourne had opened the scoring in what was a very close clash.
Captain Harry Grant would break through the Panthers defense to draw first blood, with Nick Meaney kicking the conversion.
Fans have lashed out at officials after Jack Howarth was denied a try during the NRL Grand Final.
The defending premiers counter-attacked with Sunia Turuva betting in the corner, narrowly avoiding the touchline with a brilliant attempt.
Penrith would take the lead just before half-time, with Nathan Cleary setting up Liam Martin to beat several defenders and crash it.
After Howarth’s try was ruled back, Penrith dealt Melbourne a heavy blow, with Paul Alamoti falling to extend their lead to 14-6.