Spencer Leniu slammed over ref gesture in Samoa loss to Australia
Samoa forward Spencer Leniu was sin-binned by referee Adam Gee before halftime in the World Cup match against Australia. He appeared to make a money gesture, and Shaun Johnson said no player can approach a referee that way.
Samoa forward Spencer Leniu has been heavily criticized after he was sent to the sin bin by referee Adam Gee during Samoa's World Cup loss to Australia. Leniu appeared to make a money gesture as he walked off, and commentators said a player can't approach a referee that way.
Australia, the Kangaroos, booked a place in the World Cup final with the win. Samoa fell apart in a match marked by discipline problems and finished on the wrong end of an 8-4 penalty count.
What happened before halftime
Leniu had already coughed up the ball early in a tackle count before Australia's third try. He then joined an all-in melee that led Gee to call both captains, Isaah Yeo and Jarome Luai, together.
Sideline reporter Shaun Johnson, a former New Zealand international, said Leniu "made a beeline" for Gee just before halftime. The two exchanged words, and Leniu was sent to the sin bin. What he said to the referee is not known.
Samoa conceded five penalties in the first half. Luke Keary said Samoa front rower Junior Paulo had an "animated discussion" with Gee at the break. "He's not happy at all. He's just stormed off," Keary said.
Johnson: 'He got this wrong'
Johnson said he could not be sure what the gesture meant. He suggested Leniu may have been questioning how Gee could officiate a game involving Australia against Samoa. "If he is giving that gesture it has to suggest that he doesn't feel like this is fair odds for them," Johnson said.
He still put the blame on the player. "He's an emotional player but he got this wrong," Johnson said. "No player can approach a ref unless you're the skipper."
Johnson added that Samoa were struggling to control their emotions. "Their energy's being put into the wrong places," he said, and he expected Leniu to be disappointed in himself.
The reports of a possible ban have not been confirmed by tournament officials. Leniu, a premiership-winning forward, signed with the Eels last month on a four-year deal after the Roosters granted his release. He had one year left on his Roosters contract, reportedly worth $850,000 next season.
