League legend Gordon Tallis says he supports Reece Walsh’s claim that his fiery language was directed at an opponent and not referee Chris Butler at Suncorp Stadium yesterday.
But Tallis has a warning for the 20-year-old, whose dazzling footwork has seen him become a Queensland Origin star but also tread the fine line between fair and foul play.
LISTEN TO GORDON TALLIS’ ADVICE FOR YOUNG GUN REECE WALSH ON THE FOOTY TALK PODCAST:
In the closing stages of the Broncos’ loss to the Titans yesterday, Walsh was heard through the broadcast microphones saying “c**t” after conceding a penalty, and was then marched 10 metres by referee Butler.
Walsh has since pleaded his innocence on social media, saying swearing at referee is something he would never do.
“Yesterday whilst on the field I swore at another player,” Walsh wrote in an Instagram post on Monday.
“Whilst I don’t promote this language to be directed at anybody, I would NEVER direct this type of language towards a referee.
“I understand how it may look and I’ve reached out to Chris Butler to apologize if he thought I was speaking to him.
“And whilst I am not proud of this and want to put it behind me, I also wanted to let the public, and in particular young kids playing the game know that I would never swear at a referee and neither should anybody else – they do a great job and play a huge role in making rugby league the best game in the world.”
Walsh has been sent straight to the judiciary by the match review committee, and if found guilty and suspended for two matches would miss Origin III in Sydney.
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