Warriors winger Marcelo Montoya referred to NRL judiciary for homophobic slur

Marcelo Montoya has apologised for targeting Kyle Feldt with a homophobic slur and could be looking at some time on the sidelines.

Montoya targeted Feldt with a homophobic slur after this tackle. Image: Getty/Fox

New Zealand Warriors winger Marcelo Montoya has been referred directly to the NRL judiciary for targeting North Queensland Cowboys player Kyle Feldt with a homophobic slur and could face a lengthy suspension.

In broadcast audio of the Warriors’ golden point win on Friday night, Montoya could be heard saying, “get up Kyle, you f****t” after flooring Feldt in a tackle.

The NRL’s match review committee deliberated for 44 hours before charging Montoya with contrary conduct.

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After the charge was released, Montoya and the Warriors issued a joint apology.

The Warriors’ statement featured quotes only from CEO Cameron George, not from Montoya himself.

“Both Marcelo and the club are extremely apologetic for the offence this has caused. It was unacceptable,” said George.

“Marcelo accepts responsibility and knows there’s no place for such behaviour both in the game and in society generally.”

The Warriors say Montoya is remorseful. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)

For just the second time under the NRL’s current judiciary structure, the player has no option to enter a plea but must speak before the NRL judiciary, which will then decide his penalty.

The Warriors plan to make a “special submission” to the judiciary as it considers the charge.

Feldt played in the Cowboys’ 2015 premiership winning team, famously scoring the try that sent the match into golden point. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

The first player referred directly to the NRL judiciary was Newcastle’s Mitchell Barnett, who drew widespread criticism for hitting Chris Smith with his elbow in the Knights’ round three loss to Penrith. He was subsequently banned for six matches.

Montoya will face the judiciary this week.