Warriors Coach Slams Referee Over Costly Shot Clock Error
Incident Details
- With 17 minutes remaining in the first half at Go Media Stadium, the Warriors were penalized for a shot clock violation.
- Chanel Harris-Tavita failed to take a dropout before the buzzer sounded.
- Harris-Tavita reported that the stadium screen displayed an advertisement instead of the shot clock.
- He asked referee Gerard Sutton how much time was left, and Sutton responded, "five seconds."
- Harris-Tavita kicked the ball within two seconds, but the buzzer sounded during the kick.
- Sutton penalized the Warriors for failing to take the dropout before the buzzer.
- When questioned, Sutton stated: "If the buzzer goes and you haven't kicked it, it's a penalty."
"If the buzzer goes and you haven't kicked it, it's a penalty." — Referee Gerard Sutton
Aftermath
- The penalty allowed the Sharks to add two points—ultimately the margin of victory.
- The Warriors had a chance to tie the game at 10-10 with a penalty goal as time expired, but Adam Pompey missed.
Statements
Webster's Reaction
Warriors coach Andrew Webster argued that Harris-Tavita acted based on the referee's information. He suggested a re-do or play-on would have been reasonable.
He described the incident as "embarrassing" and "the most unprofessional thing for the game I've ever seen."
Player's Account
Warriors hooker Wayde Egan confirmed Harris-Tavita's account, stating the clock became invisible due to a screen change.
Context
The two points from the penalty were ultimately the difference in the match, with the Sharks winning 10-8.