Referee Ashley Klein savaged over ‘absolutely disgraceful’ knock on farce

NRL referee Ashley Klein has been absolutely savaged after a dumbfounding blunder left the sport stunned as it changed the game.

What was Klein looking at? Photo: Fox Sports

NRL referee Ashley Klein has been absolutely torn to shreds over a diabolical “game-changing” blunder where he missed a knock on directly in front of him.

In the 25th minute the Storm were leading 6-0 as the Roosters began attacking Melbourne’s line.

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As the Roosters attacked the Storm line, a defused bomb was touched by Harry Grant who Klein believed had made a miracle catch.

However, he very clearly hadn’t as many people saw live.

Klein, who was positioned a matter of metres away with clear vision, ruled play on, confusing the commentators.

“He’s done a remarkable job to get that before it touched the ground Harry Grant,” Greg Alexander said on Fox League.

“Looks at this, looks like it’s headed for the ground — oh it has. He hasn’t done it.”

Andrew Voss added: “He couldn’t have had a better view of it and the poker face of Harry Grant, he got away with it. He got away with it big time. Oh dear Roosters fans. If the Storm are to take advantage on that call that is a big swing right there.”

How did he miss it? Photo: Fox Sports

Robbo wasn't happy. Photo: Fox Sports

A frustrated Trent Robinson remonstrated from the coach’s box as the Roosters then gave away a penalty.

On Nine, Mat Thompson yelled: “Ashley, what are you looking at?” to which his co-commentators added: “Obviously something different to Robbo.”

And from halfway, the Storm strolled over at the other end through Marion Seve.

He can... and he will... but he shouldn't.

— The Mole (@9_Moley) September 15, 2023

Try all came about from that piece of Klein "magic"

— The Mole (@9_Moley) September 15, 2023

I’m watching in potato quality on my phone and I saw that knock on

— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) September 15, 2023

How do we miss such a big call like that?

— Jamie Soward (@sowwowofficial6) September 15, 2023

How does Klein miss that? About as blatant as Broads edge to first slip.#NRLStormRoosters

— Elliott Lovejoy (@ElliottLovejoy) September 15, 2023

Happy to lose, Melbourne playing better.

But how on earth has Ash Klein not seen Harry Grant’s knock on the he is standing three metres away.

Disgraceful

— Matt Vandenberg (@M1D3V) September 15, 2023

The try made it 10-0, which in a low-scoring match is as good as gold with both teams’ seasons on the line.

And it proved pivotal as even though the Roosters hit the lead with nine minutes to go, a late try sent the Storm through to the preliminary final.

After the Seve try, audio revealed that Klein had apologised for the controversy.

“I understand but I thought he got his arm underneath it,” Klein said.

“That wasn’t even close!” Tedesco said.“They could have challenged it! Sir, you’ve gotta give us the benefit of the doubt! That was obvious!”

“I only call it as I see it, OK? I apologise,” Klein said. “I can’t say anything more than that.”

He couldn't have been in a better position. Photo: Fox Sports

Unluckily for Klein, the massive moment didn’t escape the Fox Sports analysts at the break.

Broncos great Corey Parker said: “It’s hard enough to win semi-finals playing within the rules but that right there, that is a blatant knock on every day of the week.

“And off the back of that they roll down the other end of the field and Marion Seve was able to come up with a try.

“That is a horrible decision from Ashley Klein, should never have been made, it should have been pulled up, he was right in a good spot.”

Michael Ennis added: “You can give the referee some leeway but that one was blatant. It was right in front of Ashley Klein, he was two or three metres away. It’s such a significant moment. They are so hard to find points in these types of games and it was a big blunder.”

Post-match, Trent Robinson said it was “pretty clear it was dropped” but he didn’t want to blame the moment on the loss.

“We should have stopped that but it would have been a try-scoring opportunity to us 10 metres out from the line and in finals games they’re always critical,” he said. “Key moments are critical for both sides and the referee and you’ve got to nail them.”

Roosters captain Trent Robinson tried to be impartial but couldn’t quite completely hide his frustration.

“He just said he called it as he saw it but I was 30 metres away and I could see that he dropped it and he was right there,” Tedesco said.

“It’s hard when you can’t really have a conversation on the run when you’re at the back, you can’t really stop play and run up.

“I think it was pretty obvious and everyone saw it that he knocked on.”