See evidence that Jack Wighton bit Tyson Gamble in Canberra’s finals loss to Knights – as footy great lashes out at referee for failing to send off the Raiders star
- Wighton reported despite bite marks on his arm
- Corey Parker couldn’t believe the lack of action
- Incident could lead to suspension for Raiders star
Raiders star Jack Wighton was sent on but allowed to remain on the field following an alleged bite on Tyson Gamble, sending him straight to the NRL justice system.
An incensed Gamble rushed towards referee Ashley Klein, convinced he had been bitten by the Canberra veteran in the 47th minute of the match. The Knights in extra time beat the Raiders.
A close-up shot showed a distinct mark on his left arm, but Klein consulted with Bunker and opted to put the incident on report as he was unsure if it was a permanent bite.
‘I can’t move my mouth. He needs to move his arm,” Wighton protested.
Tyson Gamble shows referee Ashley Klein the bite marks on his arm, but the official refused to send Jack Wighton to the sheds
The Raiders star did not deny that his mouth came into contact with Gamble’s arm while defending himself against Klein (pictured)
Wighton has been referred directly to the judiciary, with the star facing a lengthy ban if found guilty.
It is unclear whether Gamble will choose to make a statement for use in the judiciary. He cannot be forced to do so by the NRL.
Any sentence imposed on the 30-year-old will have to be served when he heads to South Sydney next season.
Kevin Proctor was banned for four weeks in the latest bite case heard by the NRL judge, and Broncos winger Ash Werner was handed a two-match ban in the NRLW when she was sent off for a bite earlier this season.
“They’re allegations,” Raiders coach Ricky Stuart said after Sunday’s game.
‘I hope that this beautiful football game will not be overshadowed in the media.’
The incident inflamed the home crowd and the Knights, who struck back moments later through Kalyn Ponga to reduce the margin to four points. won in extra time.
“I wouldn’t say this incident has set us on fire,” Ponga said.
“I think the crowd definitely got behind us after that and they got us home, not that incident.”
Footy commentator Corey Parker (right) was surprised by the lack of action as there was clear evidence of a mark on Gamble’s arm (left)
Michael Ennis described it as a ‘pivotal moment’ in the match given the way Newcastle rallied afterwards, while Braith Anasta said he ‘couldn’t believe’ Wighton stayed on the pitch.
Corey Parker echoed Anasta’s sentiments on Fox League and was baffled as to why Wighton was not scrutinized further by referee Klein.
“You can see it there, there is evidence that there were teeth marks on Tyson Gamble’s forearm,” Parker said.
‘How Jack Wighton managed to stay on the pitch I’ll never know. The precedents we’ve seen over time, we saw Proctor get sent off, it was the same at NRLW.
Wighton was all smiles after the game despite his Raiders ending their season with a loss, but he could be referred straight to the judiciary over the Gamble incident
“We’ve seen this over time. There was clear evidence and the moment Ashley Klein said, ‘Do you want to make a formal complaint?’, he said, ‘Yes, I do,’ and out of his memory came the words from Jack, ‘What was I supposed to do? ‘ Doing?’. It was huge in the context (of the game).”
Ennis said it was ‘out of character’ for Wighton. Despite being a “good friend” of the fifth-ranked Raiders, even Ennis admitted he was “surprised.” Klein took no further action.
“It certainly doesn’t suit Jack,” Ennis said.
“Kevin Proctor was sent away for a snack… we saw it earlier this year in the NRLW… it turned out to be a pivotal moment. When Klein made no attempt to remove Wighton from the field, the Newcastle crowd was riled and roused.
‘I must say that I know Jack well, he is a good friend, it does not suit his character. But when I saw the tracks, I found it surprising that Ashley Klein didn’t take action.”