Ladbrokes refund punters who backed Canberra following controversial loss to Cronulla

BETTING agency Ladbrokes refunded punters who backed Canberra in Friday’s controversial loss to Cronulla and has offered to pay any potential fine whacked on Raiders coach Ricky Stuart.

A dejected Canberra's Josh Hodgson after the Cronulla Sharks v Canberra Raiders NRL match at Southern Cross Group Stadium, Cronulla. Picture: Brett Costello

BETTING agency Ladbrokes refunded punters who backed Canberra in Friday’s controversial loss to Cronulla and has offered to pay any potential fine whacked on Raiders coach Ricky Stuart.

The Raiders were left fuming following number of questionable decisions in the 28-24 loss which all but ended their faint finals hopes.

Fans were left perplexed following a howler of a decision by The Bunker following an on-field mistake by officials.

Canberra were left heartbroken after the defeat. Picture: Brett Costello

Ladbrokes CEO Jason Scott said the company refunded a six-figure amount to punters who backed the Raiders.

“We refunded anyone who backed Canberra on the back of The Bunker,” he said.

“We felt sorry for the supporters of rugby league and the people who backed Canberra given the random nature of what’s being served up.

“It’s not fair for us to accept that money. The public has got to have more faith in what’s being served up.”

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Stuart was remarkably composed in his post-match press conference but yesterday claimed the Raiders were “treated differently” to other clubs, a comment that could be scrutinised by the NRL.

“If Ricky got fined we were happy to pay the fine because we think someone has got to speak out about this,” Scott said.