Should Ivan Cleary be fined for press conference outburst?

SEN’s Andrew Voss believes the NRL should fine Penrith Panthers coach Ivan Cleary for his comments directed at bunker official Chris Butler following the Preliminary Final win over Cronulla.

Panthers winger Sunia Turuva was controversially denied a try in the second half after the bunker ruled Luke Garner had obstructed Cronulla’s Siosifa Talakai in the build up.

Penrith recorded a comfortable 26-6 win over the Sharks but Cleary said he held great anxiety over the officiating in the Grand Final after the decision.

Cleary further mentioned Butler by name which Voss believes in attack on Butler’s integrity and competence.

“Ivan has to pay $10,000 for that,” Voss declared on SEN 1170 Breakfast.

“There was nothing wrong with saying that it was a terrible decision. However, he then said he had anxiety if Chris Butler (is refereeing) next week.

“It attacks his integrity saying that and being critical of him. We (commentators and fans) can say it but coaches can't.

“I don’t know how accepting the NRL will be during Grand Final week but if it was Ricky Stuart that had said that, it would be $10,000.

“Cleary has broken the rules.”

The Panthers have qualified for their fifth consecutive Grand Final and will face the Melbourne Storm on Sunday.