Andrew Fifita says sorry to Kelly family after Loveridge support
CRONULLA Sharks prop Andrew Fifita, pictured at training today, has apologised to dead teenager Thomas Kelly’s family over his public support of Thomas’ killer Kieran Loveridge.
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CRONULLA Sharks prop Andrew Fifita has apologised to dead teenager Thomas Kelly’s family over his public support of Thomas’ killer Kieran Loveridge.
Fifita and the Sharks released a statement today following outrage the NSW Origin forward had worn wrist strapping emblazoned with the initials “F.K.L” in several NRL rounds earlier this year.
It is believed the initials stood for Free/For Kieran Loveridge.
Fifita’s support of the man who killed Thomas Kelly in 2012 with a coward punch came to light after the NRL star was warned by police over consorting with criminals.
The revelations come after police sources last night confirmed Fifita was issued a warning for consorting with criminals after he made numerous visits to Loveridge in Cessnock jail.
Fifita and the Sharks confirmed the prop has known Loveridge since childhood.
“I fully understand and accept the seriousness of the crime committed by Loveridge, the devastating impact it has had on the Kelly family and the need for Loveridge to serve his time,” Fifita said in a statement released by the Sharks.
“I want to extend my sincere apologies to the Kelly family for any distress caused to them by having this tragic matter back in the media.”
Police issued Fifita with a the warning on Wednesday after his name came up during investigations into the Lone Wolf bikie gang, with which Loveridge is alleged to have links. There is no suggestion Fifita has any other link to the gang.
The NRL Integrity Unit is now investigating.
NRL boss Todd Greenberg said he was reluctant to introduce new laws relating to messages on arm guards or other apparel.
“Clearly it is inappropriate to use any club clothing or accessories to support someone with a criminal conviction,” Mr Greenberg said.
“Players are generally free to support any person or cause they like. But in circumstances such as these, they cannot use our game as a platform to do that.”
The Sharks said they would co-operate fully with police and the NRL on the matter.
“The club continues to work with the NRL Integrity unit in relation to the NSW Police warning this week to Andrew Fifita with regard to his long standing relationship with Kieran Loveridge and letters he wore on his armband in matches earlier in the season,” the statement read.
“The NRL Integrity Unit has advised that it will interview the player early next week and until such times that this process is complete the club will make no further public comment.”
Fifita became the fourth NRL player to be issued a consorting notice this season after Parramatta playmaker Corey Norman, Canberra prop Junior Paulo and former Penrith hooker James Segeyaro were photographed dining with a convicted criminal.
Fifita’s manager Ben Johnson declined to comment on his client’s relationship with the convicted killer when contacted by The Daily Telegraph.
In 2015, Fifita was fined $30,000 and hit with the same six-game ban given to twin brother David over their verbal abuse of a junior league referee.
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