Phil Gould lets rip at NRL over ‘obscene’ Kasey Badger call amid concerns around Souths games

Canterbury boss Phil Gould may be headed for another showdown with the NRL after calling the decision to remove referee Kasey Badger from South Sydney games “obscene, rude and childish” in the wake of conflict of interest accusations. NRL Head of Football Graham Annesley this week announced Badger would not be appointed to Rabbitohs game in the future because her husband – former whistleblower Gavin Badger – is on the staff at Souths.

It comes after Gavin was spotted in the Bunnies’ coaching box during last Saturday’s clash with Cronulla while Kasey was in charge of the bunker. Gavin has been Souths’ referees consultant for two years, working a day a week at the club and assisting the coach on game days.

When Kasey was kicked out of Rabbitohs games, Annesley declared, “It won’t happen again.” “While it’s not a nice look, we don’t doubt Kasey’s objectivity or professionalism.
Gould was furious by the choice. He said, “So what are you saying? ” in an interview with Gus on the podcast Six Tackles with Gus. She’s going to treat them preferentially because her spouse is employed by the club. How absurd. That seems impolite to me.

“I think that’s ridiculous, and I think everybody who had a complaint about it was immature. I’m not sure why the league would respond to it either. There isn’t anyone more honest than Kasey. To be honest, I found that annoying.

“I thought it was completely inappropriate that someone felt the need to suddenly explain why Kasey Badger was serving as a linesperson, referee, or bunker official at a game where her husband is employed by a club. Why does it matter? Why are we doubting the impartiality that is the fundamental foundation of the referee role? What would happen if someone else questioned a referee’s impartiality?”
Gus said, “100%,” in response to podcast host Danika Mason’s suggestion that they would be penalized. Therefore, why would they respond to the circumstance in that way, only (based on) perception, just to appease someone who was complaining on social media? That doesn’t sit well with me.”

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