FoxSports boss Steve Crawley apologises as Ricky Stuart faces sanction for sideline blow-up

FoxSports has spoken to Ricky Stuart as the Canberra Raiders coach faces punishment for a foul-mouthed sideline outburst aired over the weekend.

Ricky Stuart is facing sanction for a sideline blow-up.

FoxSports boss Steve Crawley has contacted the NRL in support of Ricky Stuart after conceding the broadcaster crossed the line by getting in the face of the Canberra coach at the weekend.

Stuart is facing sanctions from the NRL after appearing to swear directly at a camera at GIO Stadium on Sunday afternoon, although there have also been suggestions he said “back off” rather than “f..k off”.

Regardless of the language used, Crawley revealed he had spoken to Stuart and apologised on behalf of FoxSports for invading his personal space.

He also confirmed that he had reached out to Abdo to accept their share of blame for the incident.

“I spoke to Ricky this morning and apologised to him,” Crawley said.

WATCH THE INCIDENT BELOW

This presser could be one for the ages #NRLRaidersBroncospic.twitter.com/KS0aNIkNiy

— Martin Gabor (@MartinJGabor) August 26, 2023

“I also spoke to Andrew Abdo and Graham Annesley.

“I have an agreement with Ricky that we don’t get in his face when he is on the sidelines.

“We’re also writing to (Canberra chief executive) Don Furner to apologise to the club for being in his face.

“We’re entitled to show him but we can’t be right in his face on the sidelines in his area.

“I feel for him. I think we were out of line there.”

Stuart has copped his share of fines over the years but revelations that Crawley had contacted the Raiders and the NRL to acknowledge the broadcasters was partly to blame will no doubt play a part in any decision by Abdo on whether to sanction the Raiders coach

Originally published as FoxSports boss Steve Crawley apologises as Ricky Stuart faces sanction for sideline blow-up