Mone fights 10-year ban

By PARKER TAMBUA
SOUTHS five-eighth William Mone has claimed his innocence after receiving a 10-year ban by the Port Moresby Rugby Football League over an assault on match officials.
The former SP Hunter told The National yesterday that he had paid a K1,000 appeal fee and presented his case for deliberation.
He is now awaiting his appeal to be reviewed by the league’s judiciary.
“The pictures are there and the referee who was attacked, Dickson Tasi, is my witness,” Mone said.
“I was the one who was running around the field trying to calm the players down and stop the mayhem from escalating further.
“I’m confident that I will win this appeal, given the evidence that is available.
“This incident is a first of its kind for me as I’ve never been at the centre of such a scenario in my rugby league career.”
Mone condemned the assault which had occurred during their preliminary final against Tarangau at oval two of the Oil Search National Football Stadium on Sunday.
Tarangau scored a decisive try moments from fulltime which prompted Souths players and officials to turn on the match officials.
“Violence has no place in rugby league,” Mone said.
“We have to change our attitude.
“If we lose, we have to accept defeat because after all it’s only a game.
“I did my part to stop the commotion and protect the referees.
“But the emotions of our players were too much for me to contain.”