NRL fans erupt over 'classless' Billy Slater moment
Fans at the NRL grand final have been absolutely slammed for their ‘disrespectful’ treatment of Billy Slater.
As is customary on grand final night, players retiring in 2018 were paraded onto ANZ Stadium in front of the packed crowd.
The retiring heroes were widely applauded by supporters, until Slater’s name was read out.
Legendary.
Thanks for memories. 😥 #NRLGF
Watch LIVE: https://t.co/BMYqCZhrd4
Follow LIVE: https://t.co/dO8Yicz87H pic.twitter.com/hAT3H7Gec2— Wide World of Sports (@wwos) September 30, 2018
Not on the field because he was preparing to play, Slater was shown on the big screen warming up in the sheds.
But as the announcer called out Slater’s name, he was met with resounding boos from the passionate Sydney crowd.
Social media was immediately flooded with condemnation for the ‘classless’ act.
I know Billy Slater is public enemy number 1 at the moment but to boo him when they are commemorating his career with the rest of the retiring players is really poor form from the crowd. #NRLGF #NRL
— Brodie (@Brodie18121996) September 30, 2018
Booing Billy Slater is a poor move from the ever classless Sydney crown. Not surprising from sydneysiders… #NRLGF
— Muff Badger (@Muff_Badger) September 30, 2018
Those Sydney turds booing Billy Slater as a retiring player #noclass #NRLGrandFinal #NRLRoostersStorm
— Catherine Houston (@Bulldog__Belle) September 30, 2018
Booing the mere mention of Billy Slater. Stay classy, Sydney. 🙄 #NRLGF
— Paul Lenkic (@PaulLenkic) September 30, 2018
I know it’s a grand final! But booing Billy Slater was a little disrespectful!! @nrl @channel9 #NRLGF
— Sam Foote (@yma6rocks) September 30, 2018
Classy by the @NRL crowd to boo billy slater, have some class ! #NRLGrandFinal
— Matt (@MatthewBarlow) September 30, 2018
Respect where respect is due. Crowd booing #BillySlater is disgraceful. Doesn’t matter what you think of the #NRL judiciary decision – it wasn’t his. Bloody nice bloke. #NRLRoostersStorm
— KristySexton-McGrath (@kristysexton) September 30, 2018
Terrible NSW crowd booing champion billy slater
— Rayleen and Ian (@RayleenandIan) September 30, 2018
The sell-out crowd would have been majority Roosters fans, most of which are still fuming at the fact that Slater was cleared to play the decider after his shoulder charge ban was overturned.
But to boo during a celebration of his storied career drew the ire of neutral fans.
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Mitchell adds to Slater’s pain
The Sydney crowd weren’t the only ones giving it to Slater, with Latrell Mitchell also sticking the boot in one the match got underway.
The Roosters star appeared to put his knees into Slater after scoring a barnstorming try early in the first half, before also offering some choice words.
The huge effort from Mitchell gave the Roosters an early 12-0 lead.
Cronk cleared to play
Cooper Cronk was earlier passed fit to play in the decider against Melbourne.
The Roosters halfback was named in the final line-up an hour before kick-off, one week after suffering a “severe” rotator cuff injury in their preliminary final win.
Utility Paul Momirovski dropped out of the 17-man team, while Storm veteran Ryan Hoffman was also overlooked for a farewell in his final season.
with AAP