Giant Lions winger George North has apologised for his cheeky finger-pointing gesture at Wallabies halfback Will Genia as he scored a magnificent first Test try.
While Genia couldn’t understand the fuss, North said he felt “horrendous” for celebrating in the face of the Australian vice-captain before diving over to finish his solo 60-metre effort at Suncorp Stadium.
North copped a dressing down from British and Irish Lions tour manager, as well as teammates, for what he agreed was an unsportsmanlike act.
“I’ve apologised and can’t really explain what I did,” a sheepish North told reporters on Friday.
“I got caught up in the emotion of the try. Looking back I feel horrendous for doing it now. I’ll have to live with that and take it on the chin.
“Rugby’s a gentleman’s game and that shouldn’t be involved in the game.
“I know it was out of line with sportsmanship and rugby and feel terrible for that.”
Defier Pariah
Guest
Its relevant because respect is earned. You dont sledge the best. Something Cooper learned all too late.
Hal
Guest
How is it unsporting?? You really need to ask?Obviously you're one of those wendyball supporters where disrespecting and taunting your opponents is commonplace. Have you only just started watching rugby? Jumped on the bandwagoon so to speak.
Ajax
Guest
Its actually a fantastic photo, captured in the heat of the moment. Good luck to him...
richard
Guest
A storm in a teacup.These things happen in the heat of the moment. I seriously doubt that it would have bothered Genia,so why is anything being made of it.
stu
Guest
I don't think there was malice at all in the way he tried to bundle folau into touch. Highly improbable that he intended to get floau to head clash with Barnes. Even kearns admitted his comment was stupid after kafer pulled him up on it.
Tacksharp
Guest
What about the unsporting gesture of shoving izzy into Barnes? I find it odd that no ones mentioned that.
nickoldschool
Roar Guru
Nothing in it really. Storm in a tea cup again. I see that as banter, sledging or whatever you want to call it. Can be a word, a gesture, a look, as long as its nothing too offensive or personal, no problem for me. I think Genia as a player and us as supporters can handle that. Didn't feel offended at all and I actually reckon it galvanised Genia and the troops! Thanks Mr North!
maximillian
Guest
how is that relevant? If he done it to someone on debut is that then ok? In the grand scheme of things its at the lower end of unsportsmanlike behaviour so good on him for apologizing, but I don't think the player he does it to makes it any better or worse.
Rassie
Roar Rookie
No one likes it when the opposition scores. Especially if they celebrate it. I am amazed Australians are offended by it especially after the antics of George Gregan opposition teams had to live with during his career.
cm
Guest
WTF?
Son of Yoda
Guest
Its really about trying to improve his image to the referees after his disgusting shove on Falou without the ball, head first into Barnes.
Defier Pariah
Guest
He appologised and said he felt terrible. He thought it was bad, not Genia so I think there was more to it than just pointing in no general direction.
Roarer
Guest
How is it unsporting? He pointed his finger to indicate " Wow, this is amazing" which coincidentally happened to be in the direction of Genia. I've seen him do it in the past but in no ones direction and it is not bad because you know his personality and know he is the last person who'd be arrogant. If it was someone like Ashton for example, different story. Focus on more important issues like that grub Horwill, who deliberately stamped on Alun Wyn- Jones' head.
FTR
Guest
Well done, George, for upholding the traditional values of rugby. Thomas Arnold would be proud.
AdamS
Roar Guru
Ashton was criticized because everyone can see that one day he will drop the ball.... Still waiting for it mind you, but it will be a beaut when it happens....
Red man
Guest
Jolly good old chap. Such nice boys. Would never do anything unsportsmanlike. Butter wouldn't melt in their dainty mouths.
Rugby Fan
Roar Guru
It has become a talking point up north, really since Chris Ashton started to swan dive as he scored. He's hardly the first player to ostentatiously celebrate a score but, for some reason, he seemed to irritate other teams' supporters, sparking a discussion of appropriate conduct. More recently, Delon Armitage gestured at an opponent as he scored a try in the Heineken Cup final. Armitage is a controversial figure and there was immediate criticism on social media, some even suggesting referees should consider disallowing tries for bad sportsmanship. Brian Moore got into a public spat with Armitage when the latter pointed out that Brian was no stranger to winding up opponents when he played. In the Lions first match in Hong Kong, Mike Phillips gestured at Joe Rokocoko when he went over for a try. This immediately drew comparisons with Armitage, and journalists who criticized the Engishman while ignoring the Welshman were called hypocrites. Phillips himself pointed out that he was joking with a club team mate but realized not everyone would know that and apologized. That's the context for the reaction to North. It did seem out of character for the player but it drew immediate comment at home and Lions manager Andy Irvine gave him a lecture on staying classy. An apology just helps clear the air for local consumption, even if it wasn't really noted much in Australia.
Defier Pariah
Guest
I thought it was in poor taste because of who he did it to. Its no big deal but Genia is somebody who should be respected. I actually enjoy that sort of thing though. It adds to the drama.
Billy Bob
Guest
Good on George. Nice gesture. But really no offence taken on this side of the war. Now as for Statesman Brian's histrionic demand to the referee for a video replay of his penalty offense, and his patronizing Horwill is a 'lucky boy' comment - any apology any time before tomorrow's kick off is welcome. Apart from winning tomorrow, the Statesman getting marched 10 for back chat would make my night.
AndyS
Guest
FFS, unless he pointed with his middle finger pointing the other way, who the hell cares? I personally find it less offensive than all the soccer style congratulations afterwards.