Sydney Roosters chairman Nick Politis and director Mark Bouris investigated by NRL integrity unit for alleged referee dispute

Sydney Roosters chairman Nick Politis and director Mark Bouris are being investigated by the NRL integrity unit for an alleged referee dispute during an incident at a Las Vegas Nines match.

Nick Politis (second from left) is among those being investigated by the NRL’s integrity unit. Picture: DTTV

Sydney Roosters chairman Nick Politis, director Mark Bouris and an unnamed coaching staff member are being investigated by the NRL’s integrity unit regarding a complaint by a referee over an incident at a Las Vegas Nines match last month.

An official complaint was lodged with the NRL by a senior volunteer referee Mitchell James on March 2, claiming “unacceptable and unprofessional” conduct following an LA Roosters and the Brisbane Veterans match on February 28. However, Bouris has rubbished the claims.

In a copy of the complaint obtained by this masthead, James claimed Politis and Bouris as well as an unnamed coaching staff member approached him on the sidelines following the LA Roosters’ loss to make comments on his refereeing.

Shortly afterwards he claims he was dumped from his officiating duties for a USA v Greece game “in his best interest” and he then returned home, where he is now questioning his future as a match official after two decades in the game.

In the complaint he claims Bouris said: “I’ve seen a lot of football and that was a disgrace! You reffed us out of the game.”

Graham Annesley’s response email to referee Mitchell James.

Aware of the complaint, the integrity unit is still gathering relevant information and has made no findings.

Politis declined to comment but Bouris gave his version of events.

“Neither of us swore or were aggressive,” he said.

“We were never in his face.

“No abuse, no confrontation, no swearing, no confrontation yet he’s tried to make us out as bullies.

“I said, ‘hey mate, that was one of the worst refereeing performances I’ve ever seen.’ Then Nick and I walked away.

“There were a lot of decisions he made that, in our opinion, were wrong.

“And I felt strongly about it. There were nine penalties against us and zero in our favour.

“I’ve never abused a referee in my life. That’s the only conversation I’ve ever had with one.”

“And the suggestion that Nick and I tried to get him taken off the Greek game is bullshit.”

The referee also claims a coaching staff approached him at the end of the game to address his concerns with the officiating in a professional manner.

Sydney Roosters bosses pictured at the Vegas Nines tournament. Picture: DTTV

The three-page complaint as well as emails sent to the NRL have been obtained by this masthead.

NRL’s head of football Graham Annesley acknowledged receipt on March 3.

“Thanks for your email. I am very sorry for what you’ve been through. I completely understand how upsetting it has been for you,” Annesley wrote.

“Your report has been forwarded to the NRL Integrity Unit for further consideration. A representative will be in touch as soon as possible to discuss further.

“I hope you are ok and I apologise for any hurt you have experienced. Thanks for your contribution to our Las Vegas venture and for your on-going commitment to rugby league.”

Among the emotionally charged details in the report, the Illawarra-based referee outlines he spent around $7000 to volunteer at the Las Vegas Nines tournament but made a quick return to Australia after the incident involving the LA Roosters.

The referee was disappointed he was taken off the USA game.

“Supposedly a game for all! I then returned alone to the hotel and immediately booked a return flight home to my family who are now pleading I step away from the game. Something I am strongly considering.

“I have put up with being followed home, threatened, chased with weapons, abused... However, I have never been accused of cheating!”

James also notes he should not have interacted with the Roosters figureheads, but said he is frustrated and upset by spectator behaviour towards officials which is driving referees out of the game.

As part of the report, he has formally requested a public apology from Bouris and Politis or the Roosters club, a private, written apology from all three individuals and a review of officials protections to ensure referees are subject to such encounters in the future “not subjected to intimidation, undue influence, or baseless allegations “while performing their duties.”

Originally published as Sydney Roosters chairman Nick Politis and director Mark Bouris investigated by NRL integrity unit for alleged referee dispute