Furious NRL fans want leading referee SACKED from finals duties after shocking mistake in Storm v Roosters knockout final at AAMI Park
- NRL fans don’t want to see Ashley Klein in the rest of the final series
- Follows a huge blunder in the elimination clash between Storm and Roosters
- Klein was set on fire after the match by frustrated supporters on social media
Furious footy fans have called on Ashley Klein not to officiate the upcoming NRL finals matches after the referee produced an eternal howler on Friday evening, ending the Roosters’ premiership chances.
Klein was just yards away when Melbourne hooker Harry Grant dropped a loose ball near his own try line.
The whistleblower inexplicably allowed play to continue, and Tricolors fans were furious moments later as the hosts crossed AAMI Park through center Marion Seve.
It was a blunder that proved crucial, with Craig Bellamy’s side progressing to the NRL preliminary final against Penrith after an 18-13 win.
Klein also missed a blatant high shot on Grant late in the game, which should have been a penalty.
Furious footy fans have called on Ashley Klein not to officiate the upcoming NRL finals matches after the referee produced an age-old howl on Friday evening
Melbourne Storm hooker Harry Grant knocked near his goal line midway through the first half – but the mistake was somehow missed by referee Klein
At the time, Melbourne trailed 13–12, with Will Warbrick scoring a four-pointer at the death from Cameron Munster’s cross-kick to keep their season alive.
It also spared Klein’s blushes and a likely tirade from Bellamy.
Unsurprisingly, the veteran referee was attacked on social media after the match.
“Ash Klein has blinders on again,” one fan sarcastically tweeted at X.
‘How could you miss that!? It’s blatant cheating.’
“Klein’s actions were unacceptable. He should be forced to retire,” said another.
A third posted: ‘Klein at it again. He decides the game.’
At the post-match press conference, Roosters captain James Tedesco confirmed that Klein apologized to him on the field for the glaring error in the first stanza.
Roosters coach Trent Robinson chose his words carefully in the post-match press conference
Fox League commentators Corey Parker and Michael Ennis were both highly critical of Klein’s refereeing performance
Broncos great Corey Parker seethed at the final whistle.
“It’s hard enough to win the semi-finals if you stay within the rules, but that’s right there, Ashley Klein… that’s a blatant downer any day of the week,” he said in commentary for Fox Sports.
“That’s a terrible decision.”
Roosters coach Robinson was left to lament what could have happened – and had every reason to be furious.
It was quite clear that the ball had been dropped,” he told reporters.
“He (Klein) was there. It hit the ground, what can you do? It was a mistake. Then they went to the other side and scored.”