A lawyer is urging Rugby League World Cup organisers to reverse a decision not to award Tonga a try in the final play of their semi-final against England.
Barrister Nalesoni Tupou is petitioning the Rugby League International Federation (RLIF) to award Tonga a try and a conversion for the play, which would gift Tonga a 24-18 victory and send them into Saturday's final against Australia.
- Legal expert taking action over Tonga's controversial loss
- Tongan fan goes flying from car during protest
- 'That's not on' - Tongan leader on protests, petitions after World Cup loss
He says Australian referee Matt Cecchin, whose decision not to view a video replay of a disallowed try to Andrew Fifita has generated protests and petitions, should not have officiated the game.
Mr Tupou has now filed a formal expression of concern in relation to Cecchin's decision, and cited the official's struggle with anxiety and previous refereeing errors as grounds for a review of whether he should referee high-profile games.
The deadline for a response from the RLIF is Wednesday at 4pm, Mr Tupou says - the quick turnaround owing to the fact the final is scheduled for this Saturday night in Brisbane.
"This is a very urgent matter, as the issue so far, up to now, and the decision that you need to make does and will affect the proposed final in Brisbane on Saturday," he wrote.
"Therefore, an immediate remedy needs to be delivered urgently, taking into account ... the failure of the referee to refer the matter to the video referee, the mental health issues of the referee, past and presence, [and the] previous history of disciplinary actions against the referee in his inability to avoid mistakes [sic]."
It is not clear what action Mr Tupou will take if the RLIF fails to get back to him by his proposed deadline.
Tongan fans have embarked on three protests in as many days since Saturday's game, with many refusing to accept that England are deemed to have won and will appear in the World Cup final as a result.
Mr Tupou's letter also contains a request for help filing a formal complaint about Cecchin's performance.
Newshub.
