Sharks coach Craig Fitzgibbon has been captured punching a computer monitor in stunning scenes during Cronulla’s upset loss to Parramatta.
Watch every game of every round of the Premiership Season LIVE with no ad-breaks during play on FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.
The club’s recent struggles have clearly taken a toll on the usually reserved Fitzgibbon, who couldn’t contain his emotions when Tom Hazelton was sin binned with six minutes left, thwarting any chance of a comeback win.
WHAT’S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU? Set a deposit limit. For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.
Cameras panned to Fitzgibbon after referee Ashley Klein’s decision to bin Hazelton for a hip drop when the Sharks were trailing 26-18 with six minutes left.
The Eels would take advantage of the extra man, scoring two tries to seal the upset win.
“Woah! Fitzgibbon with a right hook. I’ve never seen Fitzy lose it ever,” Andrew Voss said on Fox League.
The Sharks coach explained a lopsided penalty count against his side contributed to him losing his cool.
Cronulla were awarded just the one penalty to the Eels’ seven.
Sharks continue to struggle before final | 05:48
“You’d hit the screen if you were down 7-1 on penalties as well,” Fitzgibbon said in his post-match press conference.
“When everyone’s livelihoods are on the line and you’re down 7-1… yeah, you’d get frustrated but I shouldn’t have done it, to be fair.”
Fitzgibbon’s former teammate Bryan Fletcher said the blow up was very uncharacteristic.
“That was very unlike Fitzy. He’s usually very calm up there in the box,” Fletcher said.
“You know he’s a black belt by the way so that screen’s not coming back.”
Craig Fitzgibbon struck a monitor late in the Sharks’ upset loss to the Eels.Source: FOX SPORTS
The loss ends the Sharks’ top four hopes with Cronulla virtually guaranteed to finish the season fifth on the ladder.
It’s been an almighty cough up from the Sharks, who have lost three of their last four games to tumble out of the all-important top four.
During the last month, Fitzgibbon has often been left frustrated by his side, who he thinks have had finals on their mind too prematurely.
“We got out enthused and outperformed,” Fitzgibbon said.
“I just think we’re uptight… we’re playing teams who have got nothing and we’ve got everything on the line.
“We don’t want to get it wrong, and it just creates an energy that we’ve got to address.
“Let’s be blunt, we’re waiting for the semis, and we’re not playing what’s in front of us.”