Reece Walsh slammed after dropping C-bomb in ugly ref spray
Broncos and Maroons fullback Reece Walsh has come under fire after he appeared to direct an expletive-laden rant at a referee.
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Broncos and Maroons fullback Reece Walsh may have landed himself in hot water after seemingly blowing up at referee Chris Butler Sunday’s 18-12 loss to the Titans.
Walsh had a running battle with the official throughout the game, with several controversial decisions ultimately costing the Broncos dearly.
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The 20-year-old star has impressed this season for Brisbane but has had an ill-disciplined week after he was sent off after trading headbutts with Jarome Luai in Origin II.
But Walsh had another target in sight on Sunday, having several run ins with Butler, until it apparently erupted with six minutes remaining.
After Cobbo defused a bomb, the winger made a strong run and nearly broke the Titans line, only to have run behind a steaming Walsh.
As Cobbo held the ball, Walsh ran into the defenders as the winger ducked behind his teammate.
Referee Chris Butler had no choice but to call an obstruction as even Cobbo conceded what had happened, kicking the ball away.
Walsh was not ready to give it up however, exploding at the referee.
Walsh appeared to be remonstrating and said: “I stopped”, appearing to try and convince Butler that he hadn’t impacted the line and that the defenders had engaged him.
Picked up on Butler’s on-field mic, Walsh then appeared to drop a few choice words including the words “f**k” and “c**t” despite his teammates trying to calm him down.
The referee marched him 10m for dissent and warned: “Calm down or you’ll go to the bin”.
Reece Walsh has now claimed the ugly words were directed at an opposition player rather than the referee.
In commentary on Fox League, Steve Roach said: “I reckon Walsh will go to the bin here.”
He also said: “He shows a lot of passion the young fella, but I reckon ‘Kevvie’ (Walters) will be talking to him. Every referee decision here this afternoon he’s argued with or blown up about.”
The Titans kicked the goal to make it 18-12, which was the final score in the match.
But fans were quick to clip the fired up star.
Hard not to look at the way Reece Walsh conducted himself today and conclude his departure played a part in the Warriors team culture improving. An incredibly talented young player who still has a bit of growing up to do. #NRLBroncosTitans
— Jordan Patu (@Jordan_Patu) June 25, 2023
Has Reece Walsh become the biggest pelican in the comp? #NRLBroncosTitans
— Jake Carden (@JakeCarden13) June 25, 2023
Reece Walsh seems to have called the referee a C#nt.. He deserves to miss matches for this, the kid needs to be brought back to earth before he gets himself in serious trouble on and off the field. #NRLhttps://t.co/JIWVWWhCOc
— Rugby League News (@RugbyLeagueNews) June 25, 2023
Earlier this season, Bulldogs half Josh Reynolds for saying “bulls**t” in earshot of referee Grant Atkins.
He was ultimately handed a $1000 fine.
But Walsh was handed a 23 per cent fine for a grade 1 dangerous contact charge on Wednesday night.
It just adds another layer to what had been a disappointing afternoon for the Broncos, who were expected to smash the Titans in a week where they sacked coach Justin Holbrook.
Broncos coach Kevin Walters was furious throughout the game, pictured unloading at halftime, and was still fuming in the press conference.
“I am a bit angry,” Walters snapped.
“I don’t like that team who played today. It’s not who we are.”
Originally published as Reece Walsh slammed after dropping C-bomb in ugly ref spray