Manly forward Addin Fonua-Blake is facing a three-game NRL ban for his verbal abuse of a referee in Sunday’s loss to Newcastle.

Fonua-Blake was sent from the field after the siren at Lottoland, after a controversial last-minute decision in the hosts’ 14-12 loss.

Television audio clearly picked up the Sea Eagles prop calling referee Grant Atkins a “f***ing retard” before he was marched from the field.

Fonua-Blake was on Monday issued with a grade-three contrary conduct charge, which carries a 300-point base penalty.

It means he can reduce the suspension to two matches with an early plea.

The contrite Manly firebrand immediately apologised after coming off the field, and again later in a statement issued by his NRL club.

“Referees have a very tough job and we all need to respect their decisions even when we may not agree with them,” Fonua-Blake said.

“I should not have let my emotions get the better of me and I am very sorry for the comments I made.

“I’d also like to offer my sincere apology to anyone offended by the regrettable language that I used.

“I let myself and my club down. That is not who I am or what this club stands for.”

Sunday’s incident came after Manly were angered by not being awarded a penalty when winger Tevita Funa appeared to be pushed while chasing his own kick.

The play was sent to the bunker for a possible penalty try, but video official Jared Maxwell found no wrongdoing from Knights duo Tex Hoy and Bradman Best.

Sea Eagles forward Martin Taupau escaped sanction for a high shot on Knights second-rower Sione Mata’utia.