NRL 2022: Podcast co-host riles chairman Lee Hagipantelis, who fires back in angry text message

Tensions were already running high after another disappointing loss, but a bitter row between a Wests Tigers leader and podcast co-host has rocked the struggling club.

Lee Hagipantelis. Picture: Supplied

Wests Tigers chairman Lee Hagipantelis has become embroiled in an ugly off-field spat after describing criticism from a 50-year supporter on a podcast as “disgraceful, hypocritical and intimidating.”

Hagipantelis sent Wests Tigers fan Rob Bechara — who co-hosts the popular Westslife podcast a text saying: “The venom with which you spew forth your abuse is disconcerting if not disgraceful.”

Fans said Hagipantelis was “disrespectful” after also he took aim at Bechara for not being a financial member of the club.

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The Tigers look dejected as the come up short against the Bulldogs at the weekend.

The drama comes as tension again mounts at Concord after Wests Tigers lost 36-12 to Canterbury last Sunday following a 30-4 defeat to Manly the previous week.

Bechara, a confessed fierce Wests Tigers critic, invited Hagipantelis onto his podcast and was left stunned at the chairman’s response.

“What could possibly convince me to go on your podcast given the vitriol and abuse you have directed to the Wests Tigers in general but to individuals within the organisation in particular?” Hagipantelis wrote in a text message.

“How you call yourself a fan of the club is difficult to understand. You do nothing but criticise. I have never seen you post anything positive about the club.

“We are not immune to legitimate criticism. But the venom with which you spew forth your abuse is disconcerting if not disgraceful.”

It continued: “I appreciate those who are prepared to financially commit to the club, like I do, they say they support.

Lee Hagipantelis has fired back an angry text to a co-host of the popular Westslife podcast.

“As to your kind invitation to appear on your podcast, I decline so that you can comfortably continue with venting your spleen, which obviously appeases your need to be relevant. From my perspective, you are not of any utility to my role as chair or the club itself.”

Hagipantelis described Bechara as “hypocritical”.

The text continues: “You are perfectly entitled to your opinion, but it carries no weight whatsoever. It may have if you had even committed to become a member and put your money where your mouth is. You don’t even do that.”

Bechara further angered Hagipantelis by publishing the chairman’s email address for fans to express their anger.

Hagipantelis asked whether this was “some attempt to inconvenience or intimidate? It has failed.”

Bechara, who said his podcast attracts 3000 downloads a week, said he was surprised that Hagipantelis condemned him for not being a financial member.

Kelma Tuilagi is tackled as the Tigers were well beaten by the Bulldogs.

“To my shock, his response was quite derogatory and unbefitting of a chairman. And this is where Lee has shot himself in the foot. He has basically classified us into members as opposed to fans so if you have monetary input then you’re worthy of hearing but, if you’re a fan, you’re not,” Bechara said.

“People travel three hours for a game. Some come from Orange. Others come from Newcastle. They buy jerseys but some can’t afford membership. As fans, members or supporters — however Lee wants to label or classify us — we’re sick of it.

“I have been very hard on upper-management and the board for 22 months — this is the 11th year of frustration coming out. You know in parliament how you have government and then the opposition. I feel like we’re the opposition trying to keep these guys in check.

“Lee will call me a propagandist but the belief has gone out of the team. They have only won three games but they were competitive in nine of those 12 games. How they beat Parramatta and Souths back-to-back is an act of God with the roster we have. Lee and I should be on the same side.”

Hagipantelis was unavailable for comment.