Sports · Other Sports · 11 hrs ago
Grant Atkins appointment as World Cup final referee draws criticism
Australian referee Grant Atkins will officiate the World Cup final between Australia and New Zealand at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday.
The appointment has drawn criticism because Australia will be playing under an Australian referee.
Some fans have called for English officials to take charge of the match.
The debate follows disputed decisions in Australia's 44-12 semi-final win over Samoa, including two disallowed tries.
Former New Zealand player Shaun Johnson said Samoa did not get a fair share of decisions, while also praising Australia's performance.
New Zealand's men are seeking their first World Cup title since 2008, while Australia have dominated the tournament since then.
The final will decide the men's world champions, and the women's final will also feature Australia against New Zealand.
Australian referee Grant Atkins has been appointed to officiate the Rugby League World Cup men’s final between Australia and New Zealand.
The appointment has drawn criticism from fans who say the match should have a neutral referee because Australia are playing.
Some supporters have called for English officials to take charge of the final’s refereeing roles.
Atkins was selected after officiating New Zealand’s 34-10 semi-final win over Tonga.
The controversy follows criticism of officiating in Australia’s 44-12 semi-final victory over Samoa.
- Who
- Grant Atkins will referee the final between Australia and New Zealand.
- What
- His appointment as referee has drawn criticism from fans calling for a neutral official.
- When
- The final is scheduled for Sunday, November 16.
- Where
- Suncorp Stadium.
- Why
- Some fans say an Australian referee may have a vested interest because Australia are playing.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Australia beat New Zealand 24-22.
New Zealand beat Tonga 34-10, a match refereed by Grant Atkins.
Australia beat Samoa 44-12 amid disputed decisions and criticism of the officiating.
Australia and New Zealand are scheduled to meet in the final at Suncorp Stadium.
- Referee
- Grant Atkins
- Finalists
- Australia and New Zealand
- Venue
- Suncorp Stadium
- Video referee
- Wyatt Raymond
- Atkins’s NRL experience
- 343 games, according to News Corp as reported by the Daily Mail
3 sources
What people are saying
In a World Cup game, why is an Australian reffing the game when Australia are playing?
Kiwis and Kangaroos will play [the] grand final so bring in a neutral referee, linesmen and bunker from England to allow fairness in the game.
I can't help but have this frustration around how the game was officiated,
I stick by my comments post-game. I wholeheartedly think Samoa didn't get the rub of the green. I think Australia were unbelievable,