But in a statement posted to Twitter today, Paris has apologised for questioning the officials’ integrity.
“I unreservedly apologise for the comments I made about NRL match officials,” Paris wrote. “I am a passionate rugby league fan and have been for decades. I made those comments in the heat of the moment and am sorry for any impact they may have had on the reputation of any NRL referee.
“NRL referees are not cheats and are not biased. They go to work every week and do a tough job so that we get to enjoy the greatest game.
“Impugning their professionalism was a mistake. People can watch a game of footy and legitimately question the decision-making, but questioning the integrity of officials is unacceptable.“
Paris had faced threats of legal action after his original comments. The Professional Rugby League Match Officials union met lawyers and believed there was precedent for legal action, hoping that launching a defamation case would deter others from publicly criticising NRL referees.
The NRL said in a statement today that it understood Paris had reached an agreement with the union and now considered the matter closed.
“The NRL has raised its concerns with these comments with Mr Paris, and as a result he has agreed to unconditionally withdraw those statements and issue a public apology.
“The NRL understands that Mr Paris has also reached agreement with the NRL referees and match officials concerned, and the match officials’ association, the PRLMO. Respecting and protecting NRL referees and match officials is a matter of critical importance to the NRL.
“While there may be differences of view about particular decisions made during a game, comments that call into question the integrity or honesty of NRL referees and match officials are baseless and unacceptable.
“The NRL considers this matter closed, but all those associated with the game should know that any comments that call into question the integrity of NRL referees and match officials will not be tolerated in our game.”
