Waikato prop Ben Tameifuna is in the firing line after shoving referee Glen Jackson to the ground during the latest round of New Zealand's national provincial rugby competition.
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Tameifuna has been cited for acting against the spirit of good sportsmanship.
 
The incident, that floored Jackson, happened in the 72nd minute of Waikato's clash with North Harbour at Albany.
With Waikato defending their line against a Harbour attack, the 137kg Tameifuna came around from behind the posts to find Jackson in his way and appeared to brush him aside, knocking Jackson to the ground.
Jackson got up to eye the ensuing action and moments later, Tameifuna was given a yellow card for what appeared to be a ruck infringement.
The pushing incident was noted by Citing Commissioner John Wootton who has decided it warrants further investigation.
Referees are regarded as sacrosanct in terms of physical contact by players.
Waikato held on to win the match 22-16.
Tameifuna will front judicial officer Chris Morris via video conference on Wednesday.
Stuff.co.nz
