NRL: Eels coach backs Bulldogs as sanctions loom

Glenn Stewart of the Rabbitohs is tackled during the round four NRL match against the Parramatta Eels. Photo / Getty Images

Parramatta coach Brad Arthur says rivals Canterbury shouldn't be stripped of competition points by the NRL over their fans' unruly behaviour.

The Bulldogs' one-point loss to South Sydney ended in chaos at ANZ Stadium on Good Friday, with bottles hurled at the referees by some of the club's supporters.

Interchange official Darren Alchin was taken to hospital with a suspected fractured shoulder blade. He has since been discharged.

The reaction stemmed from a penalty against Canterbury skipper James Graham for catching the standing leg of Adam Reynolds as he attempted a long-range field goal in the final minute.

The call by referee Gerard Sutton handed the Rabbitohs a shot at goal from 10m, in line with the game's rulebook.

The NRL will meet this week to consider sanctions against the club and fans, with the loss of competition points a possibility. But Arthur said he was dead against that option.

"I seriously don't think they should be," he said yesterday.

"But that's up to the NRL to make those decisions, it's got nothing to do with me."

Police say they are continuing to investigate the bottle-throwing, with two men identified and legal action expected against them.

They also face bans for life from NRL matches.

- AAP