- Wests Tigers prop David Klemmer called out by football fans
- Some felt it was unsportsmanlike in the win over Parramatta Eels
- Distracted Clint Gutherson missed late penalty attempt
- Klemmer was then caught making a rude gesture at the defender.
Wests Tigers prop Dave Klemmer has been sensationally accused of cheating to ensure his team beat Parramatta in an Easter Monday NRL thriller.
The allegation comes as the veteran forward was also arrested making an obscene gesture towards Eels star Clint Gutherson, who missed a penalty attempt after the full-time siren that would have won the game.
Klemmer, 30, was the Tigers player closest to the defender when he set up the shot on goal, placing himself between the Parramatta captain and the posts.
Just before Gutherson kicked the ball, Klemmer could be seen jumping in the air in a clear attempt to discourage his rival.
NRL rules state that an opposing player cannot distract a kicker before a shot on goal, and many football fans insist that Klemmer should have been penalized, and Gutherson given another chance to win the match.
Wests Tigers prop Dave Klemmer (centre, carrying the ball) has been sensationally accused of cheating to ensure his team beat Parramatta in an Easter Monday NRL thriller.
The allegation comes as the veteran forward was also arrested making an obscene gesture (pictured) towards Eels defender Clint Gutherson, who missed a penalty attempt after the full-time siren that would have won the game.
This football fan correctly pointed out that Klemmer breached NRL rules by jumping while Gutherson was trying to win the game with a penalty after full time.
Another fan correctly stated that Gutherson should have been given another chance to win the match following Klemmer’s unsportsmanlike behavior.
A third fan felt the Tigers enforcer had crossed the line by “hitting” Clint Gutherson.
Seconds after ‘King Gutho’ lost his moment, an animated Klemmer made an obscene ‘fuck you’ gesture as he slapped the corner while raising his left fist as the Tigers won a thriller, 17-16 in the CommBank Stadium.
“Happy the Tigers won, but why would Klemmer jump up like that and give the referee a chance to give Gutherson a second chance to kick him?” one fan asked.
A second posted on X: ‘I’m going to be ‘that’ guy. Klemmer jumps into the air as Gutho kicks him. Isn’t that against the rules and should there be another opportunity to take the penalty?
A third follower felt the Tigers enforcer had crossed the line: “Klemmer screwed up, Gutho… just stop.”
Under new coach Benji Marshall, the Tigers are roaring, moving into the NRL’s top eight after four rounds following back-to-back wins over the Sharks and Eels.
On Saturday, Marshall will look to take down ‘Super Coach’ Wayne Bennett, as well as his own brother, Dolphins hooker Jeremy Marshall-King, at Suncorp Stadium.
Parramatta face a tough away task this Sunday when they travel to Canberra to play the Raiders at GIO Stadium.
