South Africa's captain, Jamie Bloem, could be in trouble after criticising the referee following his side's defeat by France in the Lincoln Rugby League World Cup. The alleged comments by Bloem will be investigated by Greg McCallum, the tournament's lead officer. It is believed Bloem made the alleged remarks in post-match news conference following the Rhinos' defeat yesterday. Bloem was dismissed in the game by referee Steven Clark, an Australian, for verbal abuse, and was angered by the incident.
McCallum, the investigator has said that such an incident will not be taken lightly. "We take a very dim view of players who criticise referees publicly. But in Jamie's case until I have completed my investigation I cannot make any further comment," he pointed out. If Bloem is found to have a case to answer he could face a charge of bringing the game into disrepute, and the disciplinary commission has the power to levy a fine or impose a ban from future international rugby.
Filed by Amanda Fennelly
