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Stuart apologizes for World Cup outburst

(Agencies)
Updated: 2008-11-28 09:55

SYDNEY, Australia -- Australia coach Ricky Stuart has apologized to English referee Ashley Klein and an England official for his "offensive" behavior toward them following his team's shocking loss to New Zealand in the Rugby League World Cup final.

Australia's coach Ricky Stuart (L) consoles Anthony Laffranchi after being defeated by New Zealand in the Rugby League World Cup final in Brisbane November 22, 2008. [Agencies]

Stuart's manager John Fordham issued a statement Friday saying Stuart sent separate apologies to Klein and British referees official Stuart Cummings for his comments in a Brisbane hotel on Sunday.

Describing his conduct as "inappropriate and offensive," Stuart said that the emotion that set in following Australia's 34-20 upset loss on November 22 had not subsided by the next morning.

"Still on my mind were the disappointed faces of my players who had worked so hard during the tournament," Stuart said in the statement.

Stuart is the subject of a Rugby League International Federation investigation after he allegedly made derogatory references to Klein, saying the English referee "cost us the World Cup" when he saw the officials in a hotel lobby.

Australia was a hot favorite ahead of the final after scoring 180 points and conceded only 16 in the four matches leading up to the final, including a 30-6 win over New Zealand. The Kangaroos had won the previous six World Cups.