'Hate him': Fan at centre of Ivan Cleary incident speaks out

A Wests Tigers fan reportedly at the centre of Ivan Cleary’s post-match antics has spoken out against the Penrith Panthers coach.

Cleary was caught on camera pointing to the scoreboard, blowing kisses and waving at a spectator after the Panthers beat the Tigers 19-12 in a spiteful clash on Saturday night.

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It was Cleary’s second game against the Tigers since leaving the club midway through his contract to coach son Nathan at Penrith, however last year’s clash occurred at Suncorp Stadium in ‘Magic Round’.

This time around Cleary came face-to-face with Tigers fans still bitter about the fact he walked out on them, and they gave him a piece of their minds after full-time.

While Cleary has since apologised for his actions, the fan on the receiving end of his send-off has hit out.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Nicholas Zorbas was sitting in front of the Penrith coaches box with his 12-year-old son when the spiteful clash occurred.

Zorbas said his son gave Cleary a thumbs up and the Penrith coach responded with one of his own.

But that infuriated Zorbas, who launched into a foul-mouthed tirade at Cleary.

“The pointing to the scoreboard, sarcastic clapping and blowing kisses was from me after I told him what I thought of the way he treated our club,” Zorbas said on social media.

“Think I hate Penrith more than the Bunnies and Dogs now. Was so angry at FT.

“We were gallant and unlucky on so many occasions - and just let fire to a person I lost all respect for after how he treated our club. Hope my boy doesn't remember some of the words I used.

“Was fed up. That ref was pathetic, the rub of the green went against us and I just really hate him and how he shafted us last season. Don't get me started on his son.”

Tigers chairman Lee Hagipantelis was also less than impressed with Cleary’s actions.

“It was unacceptable and unprofessional,” Hagipantelis said.

“Those of us involved in the administration of the game should not be engaging in such a manner. I don't think what Ivan did was particularly helpful.

“I noticed that he said after the game that he regretted doing it, so at least there was an acknowledgement that it wasn't the preferred course of conduct.

“It was just unnecessarily antagonistic. Ivan is fully aware of his history with our club and the manner in which he departed. I don't think it was necessary for him to inflame the passions.”

Ivan Cleary regrets actions towards fans

Cleary said he regretted the ugly scenes in his post-match press conference.

“It's just an incident where I probably wish I didn't do anything, but I could have done worse,” Cleary said.

“I didn't like what was said (to me). I'm not used to fans I don't think, it’s been a while.

“It was an emotional game, it wouldn't matter who we were playing.

“The way the game was played and having to come back at half-time before all the drama at the end.”

Panthers chairman Dave O'Neill said he didn’t mind seeing Cleary let his emotions out after full-time.

“I thought it was great of him to show passion for our club,” O'Neill said.

“I had no problem with it whatsoever. I don't know what was said or what happened, but it was good to see the passion Ivan showed for our great club.

“I wish the Tigers all the best for the rest of the year.”