A teenager has been charged by police for allegedly sending a threatening text to NRL referee Adam Gee.
The Daily Telegraph’s Phil Rothfield first reported the news as Gee received the message prior to the South Sydney Rabbitohs’ 22-12 victory over the Brisbane Broncos on June 14.
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According to Rothfield, Gee instantly contacted the NRL’s integrity unit to report the incident and informed stadium security staff.
From there, the integrity unit alerted police.
Rothfield praised the NRL’s handling of the matter as Gee elected to referee the game despite being offered the chance to stand down given the serious and frightening nature of the text message.
“The NRL is most of all concerned, apart from what was said in the text message, that a member of the public could get hold of his personal mobile phone, and on game day, just a few hours before the kick-off, send a very concerning or alarming message to the referee,” Rothfield said on Big Sports Breakfast Weekend.
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“The NRL have handled it really professionally.”
The report claims police have since arrested a 19-year-old man and charged him with “using a carriage service to menace, harass or offend and intimidation,” according to Rothfield.
The man has also been served with a personal violence order and will attend Sutherland Local Court this week.
Gee is one of the NRL’s most established referees having officiated nearly 280 games, including last year’s thrilling grand final between the Broncos and Penrith Panthers.