Gambler takes referee to court over losing bet

[dave nz]

An Australian story.......WTF...........



A KEEN punter is taking legal action against the National Rugby League over a video-refereeing decision.

Wollongong bus driver Carlo Giacometti has taken the NRL to the small claims division of the Local Court over the loss of a head start bet because of what he alleges was the wrongful awarding of a try in the July game between the Brisbane Broncos and today's grand finalists the Sydney Roosters.

In his statement of claim served upon NRL Ltd at its Sydney Fox Studios headquarters on Friday, Mr Giacometti said that he was seeking relief in the sum of $270.30 plus filing fees of $83.

His claim said: ''At the 70th and 71st minute in the game, the rules were not properly applied - a try [four points] which was clearly not a try, was awarded to Brisbane by the video referee and subsequently converted [an additional two points].

''The defendant is responsible for the proper administration of the rules of the game of rugby league.

''The defendant is the employer of the referee and is vicariously liable for the actions of the match officials.

''The plaintiff suffered loss of his wager as a consequence of the grossly negligent administration of the rules of the game.''

Mr Giacometti said his bet was not a large sum of money but he was taking the action because he had had enough of poor refereeing decisions.

He said although the Roosters won the match by two points, the try to the Broncos was awarded by the video referee before any video replay of it was shown to the public a minute after the ruling.

''If they want to get it correct before the bookies pay they should check, like in racing, to see if there is any protest upheld,'' he said.

''They [Roosters] should have won by eight points. I think that a lot of people feel the same as I do.''

Mr Giacometti has gone even further in his fight for National Rugby League betting reform and has set up his own website, refgotitwrong.com, which features footage of other video-refereeing errors during this year's NRL season.

He is also urging other punters who have lost out to join him in a class action against the NRL.

[bt33]

What a pandora's box that would be if you could do that over here, all the video calls done in the NFL that affect the score and are wrong, or just bad calls, like admitted ones such as the SD-Den game a few years ago, and the Sea-Pitts Superbowl.

[upinya83]

Plan on filing suit against dolphins special teams coach in the morning

[dave nz]

This is the first case I've ever heard of downunder......note the key point : he hasn't been successful in his action and IMO is unlikely to be (but then I'm no legal expert, far from it!).....In the unlikely event he is, it would set and incredible and bizzare precedent.

[Dr. Jack]

Originally Posted by upinya83

Plan on filing suit against dolphins special teams coach in the morning

YOu ain't kidding. Seriously he should be fired

[cuse_man]

I like this

[SI5]

filing later on today... terrible year so far

[Gobbler's Knob]

Originally Posted by upinya83

Plan on filing suit against dolphins special teams coach in the morning

That could be worth billiions.

[MCP313]

Originally Posted by Dr. Jack

YOu ain't kidding. Seriously he should be fired

LOL he did get fired. Nice call Doc

Suing the refs is kinda cool though.

[markd]

Originally Posted by upinya83

Plan on filing suit against dolphins special teams coach in the morning

Are you kidding me I love this Guy
Go Pats

[Classic Rock]

you could sue in all of Hawaii's games

[Grizzly Joe]

In the future there will be much tighter rules with computers doing all the refereeing - instant analysis of the plays and correct decisions on the spot for all sports.

[dave nz]

I just asked a friend who is a qualified lawyer via email whether he thinks this case will be successful for the guy. Interesting to see what he says.