Player banned 10 years for referee shove

4:43 AM BST

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  ESPN staff

Newcastle and Hunter Rugby Union have banned Mailtand player Mark Meafua for 10 years after he pleaded guilty to shoving a referee last weekend during his team's grand final.

Meafua, 18, was about to be issued a red card by referee Niklas Gaal, 19, when he struck Gaal in the jaw and neck with an open palm.

The 18-year-old read out a three-page apology during a two-hour hearing, the Newcastle Herald reported.

The 10-year ban for 'physical abuse of an official' was handed down on top of a 10-match sanction for an illegal tackle that led to the red card.

"We have not seen anything like this in our zone in 30 years," NHRU general manager Andy Fairfull told the Herald.

"It is unacceptable to verbally or physically abuse a referee. The sanctions show that if you undertake that behaviour, you will be out of the game for a serious amount of time.

"But, as well as ensuring Nik's wellbeing, the union has an obligation to provide Mark with the appropriate support. Within that 10 years, the referee's association and Maitland club will work the young man to assist in some rehabilitation."

Meafua was arrested at home following the game and charged with common assault, with Maitland Court date set for October 4.

Gaal was not seriously injured by the incident and continued on to finish officiating the match. He did not appear at the hearing.

Meafua was reportedly set to receive the competition's best and fairest award but was ruled ineligible.

BarTV Sports uploaded the footage to Facebook, condemning the act.

"Generally we encourage our viewers to tag a friend for our magic moments," Bartv posted.

"However in this instance if you feel like sharing please let your friends and followers know that this is not acceptable behavior in any sport."

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Player banned 10 years for referee shove