‘It’s a disgrace’: Ricky launches tirade at media over ‘awful’ Kyle Flanagan treatment

Raiders coach Ricky Stuart has launched a passionate defence of Dragons playmaker Kyle Flanagan after he was booed by the Canberra faithful during his side’s 28-24 win.

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Raiders fans booed Flanagan as he lined up a conversion in the first half, but dad Shane was caught off-guard when questioned about it post match.

“Never heard it. What would the crowd be booing Kyle for?” Flanagan asked.

“Just kicking the conversion early in the game, they were quite passionate,” the journalist replied.

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“I think they do that, so good on them, it’s going to happen everywhere,” Flanagan said.

However, Stuart was fuming at the journalist over the question.

“Probably a poor question too when you ask Shane about his son,” Stuart said.

“I think it is a disgrace how you guys in the media are just absolutely bashing the kid publicly.

“And that question there about the booing, like honestly, I have got a son playing and that’s my biggest fear, you people.

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Ricky Stuart launched a defence of Kyle Flanagan. Source: FOX SPORTS

“Not him, but the media. The way he is being portrayed in the media at the moment that poor kid.

“I went up to him after the game and took him aside and spoke to him. I’ve known him since he has been a little boy.

“He was the leader tonight. He led the charge in terms of them getting back into that game.

“I think it is a disgrace that his so-called Dragons supporters, the social media and the bullshit that he has to listen to and cop.

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“It is something I just don’t like. He is a better football player than he is being given credit for.

“The way that boy has handled that from a mental point of view to be able to turn up every week and he said, I’m tough enough I’ll handle it.

“I know he is, but it’s awful. He led the charge for them tonight and they nearly came back on the back of him to winning that game.”

Stuart accused the media of playing games with Flanagan.

“It becomes a game with the media reporting what social media says,” Stuart said.

“You have got to actually look at some of these people involved. It would be torture for his mother.

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“I know his old man will handle it, but it would be torture for his mother. Can you imagine if it was one of yours. That’s when it becomes real.”

Stuart echoed Flanagan’s sentiments on the fans booing.

“Were they all Raiders fans were they?” Stuart said.

“They always boo goal kickers. How many games do you go to? I want them to boo their goal kicker. They can throw cans at him for all I care. I want them to boo a bloody goal kicker. That’s their job.”

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Braith Anasta blasted the question as an attempt from a reporter to get a reaction.

“Whoever asked that question, it is one of the stupidest questions I have ever heard,” Anasta said.

“They either know nothing about rugby league or they are just trying to incite a reaction.

“To ask a question about him being booed kicking a goal. Every player gets booed kicking a goal and this reporter has just singled Kyle out because he is in the media at the moment and has pressure on him and there is speculation about his position.

“It is really unprofessional from the reporter who asked that.”

Cooper Cronk agreed with Stuart that social media trolls don’t deserve airtime.

“I agree with what Ricky said, about giving air time to people whose opinion don’t really matter a hell of a lot,” Cronk said.

“You don’t listen to people you don’t talk to. I agree with what Ricky said. It was the right thing.

“But at the end of the day, people who love our game the fans, like I have been booed at every stadium I have gone to.”

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Adam Reynolds believes it is harder for people close to players than the players sometimes.

“It is tougher on the external people around you,” Reynolds said.

“Like they said, his mother and sisters, they are the ones that have to deal with it on a daily basis as well.

“It is not just Kyle and the players who are getting targeted. It is the families.

“Social media is so out there these days that it is so easy to get access to players. It can come across a bit offensive at times, but if you read it and listen to it then you are in the wrong sport.”

Mal Meninga called for government action against social media abuse.

“I am not on social media for that very reason,” Meninga said.

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“The question was stupid and good on Shane and Ricky for protecting young Kyle.

“I get frustrated because I am in the twilight of my life and players have to put up with that sort of crap and then it is the ripple effect.

“It is not just the individual it is everybody that knows him. The family and its stupid.

“They get away with anonymity of it all and not actually disclosing their names. I don’t understand how they can do that. How they can come out and criticise people when their name is not to it.

“It is getting to a stage where the government has to do something about it.”

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