Rugby League Star Lachlan Lam Faces Backlash for Controversial Incident in Pacific Championships
In a recent rugby league match, Lachlan Lam, the captain of the Papua New Guinea Kumuls, found himself at the center of a controversial incident that has drawn heavy criticism from rugby league icon James Graham.
The incident occurred during the Pacific Championships, where the Kumuls were facing off against the Cook Islands. Lam was adjudged to have been tackled late after a kick in open play by a Cook Islands defender. However, rugby league legend James Graham, who was commentating on the game, believes that Lam’s reaction was an act of “disgraceful play-acting” and has called for the Leigh Leopards star to be suspended.
“I’m doing my best not to swear but it was the worst decision I’ve ever seen in my life,” Graham said on his The Bye Round Podcast. “Lokie Lam, that was beyond embarrassing. It was disgraceful. Greg Alexander said in the commentary the penalty should have been reversed and I agree; he should have been sent off. It was disgraceful play-acting.”
Graham’s criticism of Lam’s actions did not end there, as he continued with an expletive-laden rant, insisting that the half-back should receive a suspension for simulation.
“I’m so p***** off about it, it was disgraceful, he should be suspended for it. This game has no room for simulation, faking, play-acting or mimicking. I’ve been involved in some incidents where people can go ‘you can talk’, our game has got no place for certain action and no place for that. I can’t believe the referees were fooled, it p***** me off beyond belief.”
Lam’s performance for the Kumuls throughout the tournament ultimately ended in defeat, as they lost to New Zealand last weekend and failed to secure promotion to the highest tier of the competition.
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