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SYDNEY - Manly have been hit with a A$10,000 ($11,641) breach notice by the National Rugby League over coach Des Hasler's approaches to match officials following yesterday's controversial loss to the New Zealand Warriors in Auckland.
It's believed Hasler visited the referees room three times and was involved in a heated debate with video referee Chris Ward, discussing Ward's decision not to allow a first half try to Manly winger Michael Robertson due to an obstruction.
Hasler was also reported to have spoken to a touch judge at halftime as the Sea Eagles slumped to their second straight loss with a 36-14 defeat.
NRL rules state that under no circumstances are match officials to be approached, questioned, or harassed in any way by club officials either during or after a match.
Hasler was critical of Ward's decision in his post-match press conference but those well-publicised comments did not trouble the NRL.
"Coaches are certainly permitted to give their opinions on refereeing decisions at the post-match media conference and to take up matters with the referees' coach in the days after the event," NRL chief operating officer Graham Annesley said.
"There is always an element of emotion around game day and it is not the time to conduct a productive analysis.
"The rules governing this have been in place for a considerable time and all coaches are aware of them."
Manly have five days in which to make any submissions in relation to the breach notice after which the NRL will decide whether the A$10,000 fine will be enforced.
- AAP
