Bulldogs switch focus to off-field drama

Canterbury have turned their attention to those responsible for showering match officials with bottles following the Good Friday loss to South Sydney, after accepting sanctions from the NRL regarding contrary conduct against referee Gerard Sutton.

As the fall out from the controversial clash continues, the Bulldogs have moved on after captain James Graham, interchange forward David Klemmer and hooker Michael Lichaa accepted responsibility for their roles in the ugly scenes.

Graham will serve a four match ban and Klemmer three as a result of contrary conduct charges from the match, while Sam Kasiano copped a two-match suspension over an incident with Rabbitohs hooker Issac Luke.

Canterbury and the NRL now have those responsible for the ugly aftermath of the round five clash squarely in the crosshairs.

Sutton and his fellow match officials were peppered with bottles as they left the field, with interchange official Darren Alchin hospitalised with a broken shoulder.

Reports on Wednesday suggested NSW police would begin doorknocking supporters in a bid to flush out the unruly fans.

The News Corp report said up to 25 club members are feared to have thrown bottles on the field.

“Our focus is now on reviewing security procedures for games and working to identify those individuals responsible for the unacceptable behaviour after the game on Friday night,” Castle said.

Perpetrators face a life ban from the NRL, with Bulldogs coach Des Hasler adamant those scenes aren’t what sport is about in Australia.

Bulldogs star Josh Morris conceded Graham’s and Klemmer’s remonstrations with Sutton were not a good look for the game.

“There were some calls that led to frustration, but in saying that it is not a good look for the young kids to see players like ourselves arguing with the refs,” Morris said.

“We need to stay on top of that and remember in the back of our minds that there are young kids watching and that type of behaviour isn’t acceptable.

“It has been a bit of a learning curve for everyone now.

“We have to channel that during a game and make sure we the we are respecting the referees at all times.”

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