Manly star Lehi Hopoate has been hit with a one-match suspension after colliding with the ref against the Tigers.
The winger smashed into the back of official Grant Atkins midway through the first half.
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Atkins was sent bundling to the floor and almost got trampled on by Hopoate’s teammates.
He dusted himself down after getting back to his feet with Hopoate immediately apologising.
The 21-year-old accidentally hit the ref as he prepared to make a tackle.
However he was placed on report for making contact with the ref.
And the NRL has now hit him with a one-match suspension – if he accepts an early plea.
It is Hopoate’s first offence of the season but some fans feel he is unlucky to have been punished, claiming the referee should not have been in the way.
“He was in the way heaps,” wrote one fan.
Another added: “He goes and makes a tackle afterwards but the ref tells him it’s unnecessary, how about out of the way.”
And a third said: “The ref shouldn’t be where he is.”
Despite the setback, it was a Magic Round to remember for the Sea Eagles, who blew away their opposition 46-18.
Manly have now conceded fewer than 20 points for seven consecutive matches, the first time they have achieved such a feat since 2008.
