Warrington's Josh McGuire will fight the charge which could land him a six-game ban insisting: “I didn’t say anything racial or homophobic.”
The Australia loose forward and Leigh’s Tom Amone have both been hit with a Grade F charge - the highest available tariff - for ‘unacceptable behaviour or language’ in the clubs’ pre-season friendly. New recruit McGuire, 32, was sent off in the incident on his Wolves debut while his opponent was placed on report. But the match review panel has since charged the pair for “verbal abuse based on race, colour, religion, gender, sexual preference, disability, ethnic origin or any other form of unacceptable behaviour or language."
If found guilty at Tuesday’s independent tribunal, they could both miss a big chunk of the upcoming Betfred Super League season given they face a minimum suspension of six matches. World Cup winner McGuire joined Warrington from St George Illawarra for 2023 but was dismissed for the first time in his career as things turned ugly in his side’s 22-10 win. Wolves host Leeds in their Super League opener on Thursday while ex-South Sydney prop Amone, who helped Leigh earn promotion, hopes to be able to face Salford the following night.
