Spencer Leniu receives a two-match suspension following a gesture towards referees
“Leniu handed two-match ban after making money gesture to referees”
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Rugby league player Spencer Leniu has been suspended for two matches after making a money gesture directed at the referees during Samoa's defeat against Australia in the World Cup semi-final. The sanction will prevent him from participating in the start of the 2027 NRL season with his new team, the Parramatta Eels.
The incident occurred in the first half of the match played in Sydney, when Leniu was penalized with a sin-bin for dissent and made the gesture as he left the field.
The disciplinary committee handed him a grade three contrary conduct charge, resulting in the two-match suspension that will affect his club's opening fixtures, including a game scheduled in the United States.
Meanwhile, Samoa national team coach Ben Gardiner questioned the match officiating following the 44-12 defeat, pointing to an alleged home-crowd advantage in the main referee's decisions.
- Spencer Leniu was suspended for two matches.
- The punishment stems from a gesture considered inappropriate towards the referees.
- The sanction will apply at the start of the 2027 NRL season.
- The event occurred in the context of the Rugby League World Cup.
Corroborates: Leniu handed two-match ban after making money gesture to referees