Andrew Fifita to appeal suspension copped over referee abuse

With his job at the Sharks on the line, 2016 premiership hero Andrew Fifita will appeal the finding that he abused a referee while playing an A-grade game for De La Salle.

Grand final hero Andrew Fifita has been found guilty of abusing a referee in park football — but has furiously denied that his comments were directed at the match official.

With his job on the line at the Cronulla Sharks, Fifita has spoken for the first time about the incident which led to his send-off while playing A Grade for De La Salle against Gymea last weekend.

He was charged and found guilty of calling the referee a “c…” — but will now lodge an appeal against the judiciary’s verdict.

“At no stage did I abuse the ref or direct any comments towards him,” Fifita said.

“I made some stupid comments on the field to an opposition player who had just made a tackle on me.

“I regret using the language I did on the day, but want to be very clear I never directed my spray at the referee at any point in the game

“I understand that the referees need protecting from abusive language and bad behaviour, and I fully support that.

“I have roles within the community and know I’m a figure that has, and does, come under fire.”

Andrew Fifita, selected to play for Cronulla Juniors v Panthers Juniors, Luke Lewis Cup, Saturday, June 7, 2025 at Windsor Sports Complex. Picture: Adam Wrightson

For all his faults and his chequered history, Fifita has often been targeted and baited by his opponents in A grade footy since joining De La Salle at the beginning of the season.

Sharks chief executive Dino Mezzatesta says the club will be monitoring Fifita’s appeal process.

The 2016 NRL premiership-winning Sharks prop coaches the club’s women’s Tarsha Gale Cup team and is employed by the club in a welfare and education role.

“Andrew insists his comments were not directed at the referee,” Mezzatesta said.

“We trust him and will support his appeal process.

“But I want to make it clear we don’t condone the sort of language that was used against another player. Not when you’ve got a coaching role and you’re in a leadership role for kids coming through the ranks at our club.

“Once the appeal has taken place, we’ll have discussions with Andrew about his behaviour. It’s not okay to use that sort of language, regardless of what level of football it is.”

Originally published as Andrew Fifita to appeal suspension copped over referee abuse