Ray calls for a fair go

WAGHI Tumbe coach Francis Ray has called on the media to report fairly on him and not dredge up his past indiscretions.
Ray made the comment following an article in The National earlier in the month.
“The article said that I was suspended for three matches for inciting the crowd violence at the Minj Oval during the game between my team and Enga Mioks,” Ray said.
“The article alluded to the 2016 violence in Port Moresby between the Hagen Eagles and RabaulGurias preliminary final that I was one of those leaders involved.”
Ray said recounting his past in relation to what happened at Minj Oval had only served to tarnish his reputation especially after he had served his suspension and had moved on from the 2016 incident.
“Bringing back such stories paints a picture that I am a bad person and should never be involved in the game of rugby league and this really hurts me,” he said.
“This is my story and I hope it is told so that every supporter and fan of this game which is our national sport knows that we are not perfect and we learn lessons from mistakes and move on to be become better people.
“The PNGNRLC match review committee charged me with the offence — detrimental conduct. I was charged for approaching the referee to clarify some rulings which I was not happy with. That cost me a three-match suspension and I accepted the penalty.
“The story that my actions incited the crowd violence was totally wrong and I confirmed with the competition manager Stanley Hondina that he did not say this.
“Therefore I ask reporters to recheck their facts before publishing them. Also if I am the centre of attention in any related violence incidents when I am around, it would be courteous of the media to call me and get my side of the story.
“Like everybody else involved in the game, I want to see it grow and prosper. I have learned from past mistakes and am still learning,” Ray said.