Dragons winger Ravalawa sent off for using slur against referee

Dragons winger Mikaele Ravalawa has apologised after he was sent off for calling a match official a “c—” in the dying stages of a NSW Cup match on Friday night.

A remorseful Ravalawa will be at the mercy of the NSW Rugby League judiciary after being marched for dissent towards a touch judge after the Eels were controversially awarded the winning try with just two minutes left at WIN Stadium.

Ravalawa and Dragons teammates protested with the referee the ball had been knocked on following a high kick before Matt Doorey touched down for Parramatta, but their pleas were ignored.

When a sideline official jogged to the in-goal to mark the spot where the try was scored to allow the kicker to line up the conversion, Ravalawa walked towards the touch judge and appeared to abuse him.

Sources speaking on the condition of anonymity given the matter is yet to be finalised with the governing body said Ravalawa swore and used the term “c—” in frustration.

The sideline official calmly walked towards the referee to report the incident, which prompted Ravalawa’s send-off.

The Fijian international immediately expressed regret for his comment and visited the match officials after the game.

“I apologised after the game,” Ravalawa said. “It was not professional and I’m sorry.”