THE power of social media appears to have forced Group 3 into a review of Wingham Tigers’ second-rower Joel Kliendienst’s suspension.
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Kliendienst was set to face a four-week stint on the sidelines following an ugly incident in last weekend’s semi-final against Port Sharks.
But now, it appears to be an even lengthier break after he was sent from the field during the Tigers’ 32-12 loss to the Sharks last Saturday.
In the footage, Sharks halfback Joey Cudmore appears to pat Kliendienst on the head following a Sharks try.
The Wingham second-rower then chases after Cudmore and blindsides him, throwing one punch to the side of his head.
It resulted in the Sharks halfback falling to the ground before he was assisted from the field.
Group 3 chairman Wayne Bridge said the decision was now set to be reviewed after the ugly footage was shared and viewed more than 18,000 times on social media on Thursday.
Bridge did not attend Saturday’s fixture.
“The first time I saw the incident was on Facebook (on Thursday) and the player was sent off and subsequently charged by the referee,” Bridge said.
“That charge sheet was then done according to our guidelines from CRL, but I’ve just been on the phone with Terry Quinn and Kevin Hill our regional manager and it is going to be reviewed.”
Bridge admitted the original four-week penalty was light.
“The charge sheet was supplied to the group secretary and (the player) was graded with a high grade and it possibly should have been more,” he said.
“(The incident) is ugly and we’re going to review it.
“There’s no place for it in society; it’s not acceptable whether it’s on the street or on the footy field.”
Bridge was unsure whether the reviewed suspension length could extend into double figures.
“I couldn’t elaborate; I’ll leave that to the judiciary panel that actually sit on it and review it,” he said.
“I will push to have it resolved within the next month or so.”