NRLW star slapped with ban after ‘reprehensible’ social media post about The Queen
NRLW player Caitlin Moran has copped a one-game ban after referring to Queen Elizabeth II as a ‘dumb dog’ in a now-deleted social media post.
The Indigenous All-Star came under fire for the ‘reprehensible’ post, which sent shock waves through the rugby league community.
The Instagram story, which was live for nine hours, read: “Today is a good f**king day, uncle Luke announces his tour, and this dumb dog dies. Happy f***ing Friday.”
The NRL Integrity Unit subsequently launched an investigation into the matter and has now confirmed that Moran has been punished for her actions.
“The breach notice proposes a fine equivalent to 25 per cent of her current NRLW contract, wholly suspended, provided she fulfils a number of conditions,” a statement from the NRL read.
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“The breach notice also proposes a one match suspension in the NRLW. The fine will be suspended for a period of 12 months to be payable immediately should the code be further breached in that period.
“Rugby league is an inclusive game and has a proud and strong relationship with many communities. Regardless of any personal views, all players and officials must adhere to the professional standards expected of them and on this occasion, the public comments made by the player have caused damage to the game.”
When the comments went viral online, a number of high-profile figures within the rugby league community were quick to condemn Moran.
But it was 2GB host Ray Hadley whose comments perhaps stood out from the rest.
“It’s perhaps the most reprehensible thing I’ve ever seen connected to rugby league.
“If she plays tomorrow it will be a disgrace of monumental proportions.”
Despite calls for her to be sidelined, at least until an investigations had been undertaken, Moran in fact did play the following day in her side's 18-16 loss at the hands of the Sydney Roosters.
Judging by the reaction on social media, fans weren’t best pleased.
One fan tweeted: “Caitlin Moran playing just shows why the NRLW has no integrity & why it WILL fail. It's got nothing to do with whether you agree with her or not, you just can't have two standards.”
While another added: “Fairly sure Ricky Stuart got stood down for saying 'dog act' and this young lady puts out on her social media that virile about the Queen passing, poor form by an Australian rep.”
“I wasn't worried,” Ronald Griffiths said.
“The relationship between Indigenous people and the monarchy is a complicated one. If Caitlin has done something then it will be investigated by the Integrity Unit and we'll work our way through the process.'
“We're talking a little bit of negativity with Caitlin, but if we look at where she's come from, in 2017 she wins us the World Cup and does her knee the year after and has probably been in the wilderness since then.
“Those are the sort of things we need to look at and celebrate. We believe she's gone from strength to strength.”
Topics: Australia, NRL, Rugby League
Max Sherry