- Tired NRL fans don’t want to see Ashley Klein in the rest of the final series
- Follows huge mistake in Storm’s elimination clash against Roosters
- Klein was set on fire by frustrated fans after the match on social media
Enraged football fans have called on Ashley Klein not to referee the upcoming NRL finals matches after the referee produced a screamer for the ages on Friday night that ended the Roosters’ chances of a premiership.
Klein was only yards away when Melbourne hooker Harry Grant dropped a loose ball near his own try line.
The whistleblower inexplicably signaled to continue play, and Tricolores fans were furious moments later when the hosts crossed to AAMI Park via the Marion Seve Center.
It was a mistake that proved crucial, with Craig Bellamy’s side progressing to the NRL preliminary final against Penrith after an 18-13 victory.
Klein also missed a blatantly high shot on Grant late in the game, which should have been a penalty.
Enraged football fans have called on Ashley Klein not to referee the upcoming NRL finals matches after the referee produced a screamer for the ages on Friday night.
Melbourne Storm hooker Harry Grant struck midway through the first half near his goal line – but the error was missed by referee Klein.
At the time, Melbourne led 13-12, with Will Warbrick scoring four points at the death from a Cameron Munster cross kick to keep their season alive.
It also spared Klein’s blushes and a likely Bellamy tirade.
Unsurprisingly, the veteran referee was savagely attacked on social media after the match.
“Ash Klein has another blinder,” one fan tweeted sarcastically at X.
‘How do you miss it!? This is blatant cheating.
“Klein’s performance was unacceptable…he should be forcibly retired,” said another.
A third posted: “Klein is at it again. He is the one who decides the game.
In the post-match press conference, Roosters captain James Tedesco confirmed that Klein had apologized to him on the field for the glaring error in the first stanza.
Roosters coach Trent Robinson chose his words carefully in the post-match press conference.
Fox League commentators Corey Parker and Michael Ennis both heavily criticized Klein’s officiating performance.
Broncos great Corey Parker was seething at the final whistle.
“It’s hard enough to win the semi-finals by playing by the rules, but here, Ashley Klein… it’s a blatant consequence every day of the week,” he said in commentary for Fox Sports .
“It’s a horrible decision.”
Roosters coach Robinson complained about what could have happened – and had every reason to fume.
It was clear the ball was lost,” he told reporters.
“He (Klein) was right there. He hit the ground, what can you do? It was a mistake. Then they came down the other end and scored.
