'Get my lawyer onto it': Gould challenging $20k fine
Phil Gould has revealed he will challenge the NRL’s $20,000 fine for comments criticising the league.
Head office last week whacked the rugby league icon for blasting “stupid” rule changes and interpretations on Nine’s 100% Footy.
But Gould has no plans to stump up the cash.
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“I’ll certainly be challenging this breach notice, I can let you know that,” Gould told Nine’s Today on Monday morning.
“I haven’t done anything wrong.
Phil Gould speaking to Nine’s Today.
“I’ve got to go through a process… I’ve been too busy to deal with it over the weekend, I’ve had a lot on.
“I’ve got a lot on this week so I’ll have to get a continuance so I can get my lawyer onto it.”
Gould was one of many viewers exasperated by a number of referee and Bunker decisions across round eight.
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Namely, the Tigers had a try overturned when the Bunker official claimed Api Koroisau dropped the ball over the line.
On Monday night following the round, Gould went to town on the administrators.
“What the hell was that? We are so stupid with our rules … our game is stupid,” Gould said as part of a lengthy tirade.
The NRL has power to sanction Gould given he is employed by the Bulldogs, and therefore by the NRL.
“We welcome constructive criticism and passionate opinions, but registered officials cannot overstep the mark and make comments that are considered detrimental to the game or NRL competition,” chief executive Andrew Abdo said last week.
“Destructive attacks on the game itself will not be tolerated.
“This is a professional sport and our leaders should set the standard around reasoned debate and respect for the game.”
Half of the $20,000 fine was suspended for two years.