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Ninjadillo
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The Bulldogs are expected to be cleared of a suggestion they broke the interchange rules and temporarily fielded a 14th man against Penrith on Saturday, when the NRL studies video of the final stages of the game today.
Fox Sports' live coverage of the game sparked controversy when the commentary team speculated that five-eighth Ben Roberts had gone on to the field without a player immediately coming off. Roberts scored a try shortly after to tie the game at 26-26, and winger Hazem El Masri kicked the conversion to give the Bulldogs a 28-26 win.
The speculation began as a tip from Fox Sports staff member at ground level. Later that night, during the post-match summary of the game for Fox Sports News and after some scrutiny of the video, commentators played down the suggestion of an unlawful interchange. Footage is understood to show the player Roberts replaced - second-rower Andrew Ryan - leaving the field on the far side of the ground at the same time.
But the fire had already been lit, and NRL chief operating officer Graham Annesley yesterday began an investigation.
"I've spoken to all of the different people involved - the Fox Sports commentators and floor manager, the ground manager and the interchange official," he said. "But we can't make a final judgment until we get access to all of the video footage tomorrow."
Bulldogs CEO Todd Greenberg said: "I think it will all be cleared up tomorrow."
Greg Prichard
http://www.leaguehq.com.au/news/news/dogs-likely-to-be-cleared/2009/03/22/1237656770451.html
Fox Sports' live coverage of the game sparked controversy when the commentary team speculated that five-eighth Ben Roberts had gone on to the field without a player immediately coming off. Roberts scored a try shortly after to tie the game at 26-26, and winger Hazem El Masri kicked the conversion to give the Bulldogs a 28-26 win.
The speculation began as a tip from Fox Sports staff member at ground level. Later that night, during the post-match summary of the game for Fox Sports News and after some scrutiny of the video, commentators played down the suggestion of an unlawful interchange. Footage is understood to show the player Roberts replaced - second-rower Andrew Ryan - leaving the field on the far side of the ground at the same time.
But the fire had already been lit, and NRL chief operating officer Graham Annesley yesterday began an investigation.
"I've spoken to all of the different people involved - the Fox Sports commentators and floor manager, the ground manager and the interchange official," he said. "But we can't make a final judgment until we get access to all of the video footage tomorrow."
Bulldogs CEO Todd Greenberg said: "I think it will all be cleared up tomorrow."
Greg Prichard
http://www.leaguehq.com.au/news/news/dogs-likely-to-be-cleared/2009/03/22/1237656770451.html
