NRL 2021: Wests Tigers investigate crowd abuse claims in win over Panthers

Wests Tigers will launch an immediate investigation into allegations Penrith fans were abused and had beer cans thrown at them at Leichhardt Oval.

2021 NRL Round 13 - Wests Tigers v Penrith Panthers, Leichhardt Oval, 2021-06-04. Digital image by Gregg Porteous � NRL Photos

Wests Tigers will launch an immediate investigation into allegations Penrith fans were abused and had beer cans thrown at them during last Friday night’s game at Leichhardt Oval.

It comes as club chairman Lee Hagipantelis hoped Wests Tigers fans taunting Penrith coach Ivan Cleary weren’t deemed as “disrespectful.”

Some Panthers fans claimed they left Leichhardt in disgust at being targeted by Wests Tigers fans and have vowed to never return.

“This is the first I have heard of it but if this is the case then I sincerely regret that sort of behaviour and I would apologise to those people on behalf of the club,” said Wests Tigers chairman, Lee Hagipantelis.

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Tigers Fans turn to Ivan Cleary in the coach’s box after the Panthers Roudn 13 loss. Picture: NRL Photos.

“I don’t want anyone coming to any Wests Tigers games and not enjoying the experience, particularly at Leichhardt. I will definitely speak to our CEO and ask him to look into it.

“Part and parcel of the rich history of our game is the competitive nature between fans of clubs but always with respect.

“It’s not what we want and it’s not who we are as a club. If any fans have been disrespected, I offer an apology.”

A Panthers fan known as Michael contacted The Big Sports Breakfast Weekend radio show to complain.

“Tigers supporters were throwing cans at women and kids of Penrith supporters, abusing us, which is part and parcel of the game in good spirits, but the obscene language was appalling,” Michael said.

“This is the only ground that sells beers out of cans, no plastic.

“They gave Ivan heaps, as expected, but went overboard. It should be a good experience for the fans attending but never again, especially if they don’t change their alcohol laws on cans.”

Panthers coach Ivan Cleary taunted Tigers fans after the Panthers win over Wests in 2020 before apologising. Picture: FOX SPORTS.

Wests Tigers CEO Justin Pascoe said he would investigate the claims.

Pascoe also pointed out cans are sold at Leichhardt through a deal between the local council and contractor and is RSA approved.

“But we don’t like people to have not have good experience at our venues. It’s important for us to have people enjoying the match day experience,” Pascoe said.

“They do sell cans at other venues. It’s also an RSA issue but that’s between the contractor and council.

Asked about the alleged abuse of Penrith fans, Pascoe said: “We will look into that to see if that is actually the case. We take pride in our game day experience.”

Wests Tigers fans chanted “Cleary is a w**ker” after their side won, the fans refusing to forgive the coach for walking out on their club to join Penrith after 2018.

A Panthers fan has claimed Tigers fans were abusive and threw cans of beers at Penrith fans at Leichhardt Oval. Picture: NRL Photos.

Tigers fans will also remember a game last year when Cleary, after his Panthers had won 19-12 at Bankwest Stadium, blew kisses at frustrated Wests Tigers supporters.

“I don’t think there was too much in it. Ivan dealt with it very professionally and very respectfully,” Hagipantelis said.

 “There is some history there but I don’t think it was disrespectful. As far as we’re concerned, it is a non-issue, just fans expressing emotion on the night.

 “I hope it wasn’t seen as overly disrespectful.”

Pascoe added: “They’re passionate fans, it’s a passionate, emotive sport. How fans react at any particular moment is based on their passion.”

Reminded Cleary walked out on Wests Tigers, Pascoe said: “I don’t want to comment about that.”

Originally published as NRL 2021: Wests Tigers investigate crowd abuse claims in win over Panthers