[ad_1]
Incoming Warriors consultant Phil Gould has found himself in the middle of a social media storm that threatens to overshadow Melbourne’s final big win.
The league’s identity has been accused of showing bias towards its former club, the Penrith Panthers, during Channel Nine’s commentary on the NRL’s decisive game on Sunday night.
Hundreds of rugby league fans, journalists and even a current NRL star have questioned what game “Gus” Gould was watching when the Melbourne Storm won the NRL grand final 26-20 on Sunday night.
Matt King / Getty Images
Phil Gould was working at Penrith Panthers as a soccer general manager last year.
Since then, Gould has appeared on Sydney radio on Monday morning, where he responded to claims of bias and kept his comments.
“They need to go back and hear (the comment) again. They only listen to what they want to hear. There is a difference between prejudice and honesty, I am always honest, “said Gould at 2GB.
Matt King / Getty Images
Channel Nine host Phil Gould has a long history with the Penrith Club.
Despite Storm dominating the first half to lead 22 at halftime, Gould praised the Panthers for the first 40 minutes and on his Twitter account during the halftime break.
“Honestly, I feel like the Panthers are on top,” Gould said during the Channel Nine commentary.
“I feel like they are doing better than the Melbourne Storm, but the Storm have been able to keep the score by kicking with a penalty attempt and a penalty goal and now intercept (sic).”
He then returned to Twitter full-time to post how close Penrith had come to final great glory.
Gould, who worked for the Panthers as a soccer general manager in April last year, put social media into a frenzy with his comments.
Renee McKay / Getty Images
Rugby league fans took to social media, frustrated with Phil Gould’s big final comment.
“Is Gus watching or is his heart speaking? Melbourne is really on top. His defense is in song,” Sharks star Josh Dugan tweeted.
Courier Mail league reporter Travis Meyn said: “Phil Gould Pro Panther comment. Wow.”
AFL reporter Rohan Connolly criticized Gould’s comments saying, “This must be the most pathetic call from a major sporting event I have ever heard.”
New Zealand viewers heard the comment from Gould’s Nine, but the post-match celebrations were missed in a broadcast error.
