Matt Cecchin: NSW cops in the sin bin over NRL ref joke

THE NSW cops have written a grovelling online apology to State of Origin referee Matt Cecchin after posting a doctored photo of the NRL whistleblower in a Maroons jersey as a joke gone wrong.

The original post by the NSW Police Force’s Facebook page (right) and the apology later posted to social media.

• NRL DAILY: All the rolling footy news
• Jarryd Hayne’s running battle with referees during Origin

THE NSW Police Force has been sin-binned after its social media team poked fun at State of Origin referee Matt Cecchin by doctoring a photo of the leading NRL whistleblower in a Maroons jersey.

The state’s police force yesterday issued a grovelling apology for posting the fake picture online of Cecchin in the Queensland top before game three of this year’s Origin series.

A caption accompanying the doctored image said: “NSW Police uncover QLD’s plan to replace Johnathan Thurston in game three.” Queensland won the match 22-6.

NRL referee Matt Cecchin.

But yesterday, a seemingly repentant NSW Police Force apologised for the picture, which has since been removed, and acknowledged Cecchin had “suffered hurt and damage to his reputation” as a result of the meme, which it meant as a “lighthearted joke”.

It’s understood Cecchin personally made an official complaint to the NSW Police Force and not through NRL channels.

Cecchin is understood to have personally made the complaint to the NSW Police Force. Picture: Gregg Porteous

Cecchin on the field during the Canterbury Bulldogs v Penrith Panthers round 21 match. Picture: Mark Evans

The official NSW Police Force Facebook frequently uses humour and memes. However, this one has seen them forced to apologise. Picture: Facebook

The NRL was aware of the Facebook post at the time but did not take the matter further because Cecchin did not lodge a complaint with the overarching rugby league body.

It’s understood that Cecchin’s complaint was not based on any mistakes he made during the game but that by putting him in a Maroons jumper it questioned his integrity as a referee.

NSW Police has previously used humour on social media platforms to drive home road safety messages or spread the word about specific incidents.

READ MORE: North Queensland urges Sydney fans to support them in grand final

Police Minister Troy Grant last night declined to comment on the apology posted online yesterday.

“The NSWPF wishes to make clear it did not intend to make any serious assertion that Mr Cecchin was biased as a referee and only intended for the meme to be a lighthearted joke,” NSW Police Force said.

NSW Police Minister Troy Grant.

“However, the NSWPF acknowledges that, in posting the meme, Mr Cecchin has suffered hurt and damage to his reputation.

“The NSWPF wishes to make clear it does not think Mr Cecchin is biased as a referee and withdraws any such suggestion unreservedly.

“The NSWPF apologises to Mr Cecchin for any hurt or damage caused.”

GRAND FINAL: Scott will not play

Cecchin, who made his first grade debut in 2001, is believed to be satisfied with both the handling of the inquiry and the outcome.

He was applauded earlier this year for his bravery speaking out about his battles with mental illness, saying it was a burden he carried privately for some time before it reached a crisis point.