Meme ref Matt Cecchin: ‘There will be consequences’

REFEREE Matt Cecchin was “very satisfied’’ with the apology from the NSW Police Force for a controversial Facebook post, but said “there will be consequences’’ if anybody else questioned his integrity.

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

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REFEREE Matt Cecchin was “very satisfied’’ with the apology from the NSW Police Force for their controversial Facebook post, but said “there will be consequences’’ if anybody else questioned his integrity in the future.

On the same day he was named lead referee for Sunday’s NRL Grand Final between Melbourne and North Queensland, Cecchin explained why he did not see the funny side in a fake photo of him wearing a Queensland jersey before Origin III earlier this year and took action.

NSW Police posted a doctored image of Cecchin on their Facebook page with the caption: “NSW Police uncover QLD’s plan to replace Johnathan Thurston in game three.’’

Referee Matt Cecchin says he’s happy with his apology from police over the bumbled Facebook post. Picture: Gregg Porteous

While a lot of league fans on both sides of the border would have put the post down to harmless banter that always takes place around State of Origin, Cecchin said police had crossed the line.

“My concern was it attacked my integrity, and that’s the only thing I can guarantee you as a referee,’’ Cecchin said.

The NSW Police Force were forced to issue an apology (above) via Facebook. Picture: Facebook

“I can’t promise you I’m not going to make mistakes this week _ the likelihood is I will, and I do every game _ but I can promise everyone and vouch for the integrity of every NRL official out there on the weekend.

“Whether it’s on the field or off the field, if you question my integrity, there will be consequences.

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“I’m fortunate I referee in a sport where I could referee any country, regardless of where I’m from. I’ve refereed Australia in a number of Tests and finals, and that’s because the best referee gets the job, regardless of where they come from.

“That’s because our integrity has never been questioned, and I’ll do whatever I can to maintain that.

“The outcome is confidential, part of the outcome was an apology on Facebook, and they’ve dealt with it very, very quickly.’’

NSW Police on Monday acknowledged Cecchin had “suffered hurt and damage to his reputation” as a result of the meme, which was meant as a “lighthearted joke’’.

Police said the ref “suffered hurt and damage to his reputation” as a result of the meme. Picture: Mark Evans

Whistleblowers have made plenty of headlines all season, with the NRL getting on the front foot earlier this month and reminding clubs they would be heavily fined if they wanted to criticise them after matches.

Cronulla coach Shane Flanagan was slapped with a $30,00 fine for his sustained attack on officials after the premiers were bundled out by the Cowboys in week one of the finals.

Cecchin was rewarded for his consistent season by being handed the job of officiating Sunday’s grand final, with Gerard Sutton his assistant on the night.