Andrew Fifita gets NRL breach notice over support for criminal [1]
Thursday, December 15, 2016 - 18:05. Updated on Thursday, December 15, 2016 - 18:10.
The NRL has announced that Mate Ma'a Tonga front-rower Andrew Fifita, who currently plays for the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks, was issued a breach of notice with five days to respond. The notice comes after months of controversy surrounding Andrew Fifita's pulic support for a friend currently serving a 10-year jail sentence for manslaughter. Local reports state that Fifita is likely to receive a fine rather than a suspension.
The controversy began earlier this year when Fifita wore an arm strap with the initials "FKL" during an NRL Premiership match between his team, the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks, and the Brisbane Bronco's. After the game Fifita revealed that the initials stood for 'For Kieran Loveridge'. Kieran Loveridge, a friend of Fifita, was convicted of manslaughter after sucker punching to death an 18 year-old Thomas Kelly in Sydney in 2012.
Following the incident, Fifita publicly apologized to the family of Thomas Kelly. Fifita stated in his public apology “I want to extend my sincere apologies to the Kelly family for any distress caused to them by having this tragic matter back in the media -- I fully understand and accept the seriousness of the crime committed by Loveridge, the devastating impact it has had on the Kelly family and the need for Loveridge to serve his time."
The full statement release follows: "The NRL concluded its investigation into Cronulla Sutherland forward Andrew Fifita on Tuesday. A spokesman said Fifita has been issued with a breach notice relating to his on-field support for a convicted criminal during the Telstra Premiership. Fifita met with the Integrity Unit on Tuesday following the receipt of information from NSW police last week. Fifita has five business days to respond to the allegations in the breach notice."
Andrew Fifita, is an Australian professional rugby league footballer who currently plays for the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks of the National Rugby League.