Fifita deserves fine, suspension: Gallen

Cronulla skipper Paul Gallen believes the NRL should fine his Sharks teammate Andrew Fifita $50,000 and ban him for four games over his alleged abuse of a referee.

Andrew Fifita and his brother David will front the Sharks’ board on Thursday night over the alleged incident two weeks ago at Glenwood following an A-Grade fixture.

Both Fifitas have been stood down by the Sharks pending the outcome of the hearing.

The brothers are said to be contesting the version of events provided by witnesses and match officials.

In his regular spot on Sky Sports Radio on Tuesday, Gallen said he was tired of the issue.

“Who knows how long it’s going to last? I would like to see the club or NRL step in straight away, get it over and done with and fine him (Andrew) 50 grand and suspend him for a month,” Gallen said.

“I think that’s a pretty fair whack if he cops that.”

Such a suspension would make former representative star Andrew available for the Sharks’ final regular-season match and the NRL finals series.

When it was suggested Fifita himself might not be happy with such a punishment, Gallen replied: “I’m just trying to be realistic.

“People are talking about standing him down for 12 months and a $100,000 fine. Some of the things getting thrown around are a bit crazy.

“I think we need them on the field, particularly Andrew, at the back end of the year.”

Gallen did concede he felt the issue was not as bad as initially made out.

“Clearly, something has happened but I don’t think it’s as bad as people have said,” Gallen said.

“He (Andrew) needs to be punished for whatever has happened but it’s just turned all murky now.

“It could have cost him his career a week ago but now there is no evidence and it’s his word against someone else’s.

“There’s a lot of grey.”

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