‘Too far’: Knights’ David Klemmer sent off for ‘reckless contact’ in wild finish

Newcastle Knights star David Klemmer has been sensationally sent off for a “reckless contact” in a bizarre and wild finish against Souths.

The crazy eyes are back. Photo: Fox Sports

South Sydney have claimed a 40-28 win over the Knights but the match has finished with some bad blood and Newcastle forward David Klemmer getting sent off.

It was a high scoring game as South flexed its attacking muscle but a slow start and inconsistent defence allowed the Knights to stay in the game.

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With two minutes remaining, Souths’ Keaon Koloamatangi and Klemmer were seen facing off.

It was the Klemmer of old as the crazy eyes came out in a fired up finish.

In Fox League commentary, Dan Ginnane said “maybe they could settle this in Main Event over the summer”.

Steve Roach added it “might be (settled) in the car park”.

The crazy eyes are back. Photo: Fox Sports

But the very next tackle it was on again as a fired up Klemmer put a shot on the Rabbitohs’ Daniel Suluka-Fifita and appeared to land on him with his elbow.

‘C’mon, now he’s losing his way Dave Klemmer,” Ginnane added.

Latrell Mitchell ran in and dragged Klemmer off as both teams squared off.

While there were no punches thrown and the teams separated, referee Todd Smith then surprised everyone by sending off Klemmer for a “reckless contact on the ground direct to the head” on advice from the bunker.

“David Klemmer has been marched, a sensation to end this game,” Ginnane said.

“I think it was for the work on the ground with the forearm but that’s not a send off,” Roach added.

“Latrell Mitchell should go for 10, I know it’s the end of the game but you can’t run in and do that.

“That’s not a send off, c’mon.”

Ginnane continued: “Reckless is a big charge, it holds a number of weeks if it holds with the match review. What a bizarre end to the game. The bunker have seen something we haven’t.”

Dave Klemmer stepped over the line. Photo: Fox Sports

Klemmer was sent off. Photo: Fox Sports

Speaking after full-time, Cooper Cronk said: “Honestly, David Klemmer stepped over the edge. The game was gone, they’re not going to fight back, he had a little scuffle with Kolomatangi the play before and he just took it too far.”

Cronk said the elbow wasn’t a pretty look but that he was lucky he didn’t sit on the elbow and that he glanced off Suluka-Fifita’s head.

“But he didn’t have to do it, it was unnecessary. He didn’t have to do it,” Cronk said.

Benji Marshall added: “If that stays on, it’s a lot worse than what it was, but that’s emotion. That’s what happens on the back of flare ups.”

Knowing what the first question would be, Knights coach Adam O’Brien said he “didn’t see it”.

But he did say Klemmer already apologised for his actions.

“David already addressed it with his teammates then, he’s apologising to them,” O’Brien said.

“He’s got a high care factor Klem. He’s put in 60, close to 70-odd minutes and he’s frustrated and let his emotions take over there. He’s not Robinson Crusoe for that to happen.”

Souths are building momentum. Photo by Ashley Feder/Getty Images

The wild final moments aside, the Rabbitohs win moves the side to fifth on the ladder.

Before kickoff, the Rabbitohs lost Mark Nicolls and Alex Johnston through injury while halfback Lachlan Ilias was taken off the field in the opening minute after a head clash.

Souths did score first but the Knights bounced back, scoring three times to open a 16-6 lead.

But the Rabbitohs bounced back, taking the lead at the break 24-16.

Replacement winger Richie Kennar scored a hattrick as the Rabbitohs held on to the lead despite the Knights coming home strong.

Originally published as ‘Too far’: Knights’ David Klemmer sent off for ‘reckless contact’ in wild finish