Roosters star James Tedesco somehow avoided suspension after tripping Melbourne Storm fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen on Thursday night at Allianz Stadium, and football fans are not happy.
The Tricolors captain was charged with dangerous conduct on Friday by the NRL judiciary following the incident at the end of the gripping contest, but only faces a $750 fine if he pleads guilty.
If you contest the charge and lose, you will have to shell out $1,000.
Papenhuyzen, who has battled a series of long-term injuries throughout his career, was furious at Tedesco’s contact.
He made his feelings known on the field to referee Ashley Klein, believing his opposing rival deserved to be condemned.
Roosters star James Tedesco has avoided suspension after tripping Melbourne Storm fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen.
Papenhuyzen, who has battled a series of long-term injuries throughout his career, was furious at Tedesco’s dangerous contact.
In a commentary for Channel Nine, the immortal Andrew Johns reminded viewers that stumbling used to be an automatic goodbye “in the old days”.
And Johns’ opinion was shared by many outraged football fans.
“Stumbling is a bad act, it deserves a sin container,” one supporter raged on Facebook.
Another posted: ‘So what’s the punishment… a slap on the wrist and telling you not to do it again?’
Rugby League News did not mince words about X – the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, on Thursday when it came to Tedesco only being included in Klein’s report.
‘Is deliberate travel no longer a sin? Or is it because it’s Tedesco? Ridiculous,’ they published.
Meanwhile, Roosters prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves has also been charged with dangerous contact for an incident involving Storm prop Christian Welch.
The veteran first line faces a fine of $1,800 or $2,500 after his second violation of the season.