Canberra Raiders coach Ricky Stuart has apologised for his post-match words to Penrith's Jaeman Salmon as the youngster ponders legal action.
In the wake of his side’s 6-26 loss to the Panthers, Stuart was visibly outraged at an incident involving second-rower Salmon kicking Raiders hooker Tom Starling in the 60th minute of the clash.
Salmon was placed on report for the incident.
“The James Fisher-Harris and Joe Tapine tackles are accidents and in this collision game, I understand that,” Stuart said.
“But where Salmon kicked Tommy (Starling), it ain’t on.
“I have had history with that kid (Salmon). I know that kid very well.
“He was a weak gutted dog as a kid and he hasn’t changed now. He is a weak gutted dog person now.”
SEN Crunch Time’s Jelisa Apps lambasted the coach who has found himself in trouble in the media previously when he refused to speak at a press conference.
“It’s entertaining for sure, and it gives us all something to talk about, but a 23-year-old is getting called a weak gutted dog by a 55-year-old man,” Apps said.
“It’s disgraceful, as bad as it gets in a press conference.”
The 23-year-old is considering defamation charges against the Raiders coach according to The Sydney Morning Herald and was informed to remain silent for the time being.
A further report from News Corp stated that Stuart’s son may have been left in tears as a result of Salmon in under-12s football, leading to the eventual outburst last night from the 55-year-old.
Stuart today came out with an apology after initially doubling down on his comments.
“I regret saying what I did on that platform after the game. I was speaking as a father and not as a football coach,” he said.
“My reaction was to a family situation that I thought I had dealt with, clearly I haven’t.
“I allowed my emotions to get the better of me and for that I am very sorry.
“There is a history between Jaeman Salmon and my family that I will not go into.
“I should not have brought it up after the game, but it just got the better of me.
“I am truly sorry that I have caused my family and the game unwarranted attention.”
On the other side, Panthers coach Ivan Cleary went a more subdued approach to the situation when asked about the Stuart sledge and the kick.
“I don’t know, it is hard to see on our small screen,” he said.
“I can’t imagine Jaeman would have deliberately done that, but I honestly didn’t see it.
“I don’t think I need to respond to those comments (from Stuart).
“I know what Jaeman is like, and he is valuable in our club and we love him, so that is all that matters to us.”
The Panthers remain well and truly clear at the top of the table and face the Melbourne Storm at BlueBet Stadium next Thursday night.