Richard Agar, the assistant coach for the New Zealand Warriors, has accepted a fine and suspension from the NRL for an alleged incident with a Guardian journalist during their season opener against Canberra in Las Vegas.

Agar has agreed to a $5,000 fine and a three-match suspension as proposed by the NRL. However, the club issued a statement saying that Agar has a “different view” regarding the contents of the breach notice he received for his conduct during the game.

“I regret what happened and I know it’s not acceptable,” Agar stated in a club statement. “I accept the penalty and now want to move forward and learn from this.”

The incident allegedly involved verbal abuse and a push to the throat of rugby league reporter John Davidson in the press box at halftime of the NRL game at Allegiant Stadium.

Davidson, an Australian-based freelancer covering the game, lodged a complaint with the NRL integrity unit, which investigated the allegations.

Upon the Warriors’ return from the US, Agar commented, “There’s two sides to every story.” The English coach has been with the Warriors since 2023, following four years leading the Super League club Leeds Rhinos.

Cameron George, the Warriors’ chief executive, stated, “It’s in the best interests of the club, the players and the game to accept the penalty and move on.”

George also added that while the club does not condone Agar’s actions, the coach wants to prioritize the club and accept the decision. Agar will be required to participate in education and training programs and faces an additional $5,000 fine if he reoffends.

During the suspension, which includes matches against Wests Tigers and Melbourne Storm in Australia, Agar will not be able to perform match-day duties or travel to away games. However, he will still be able to coach the team during the week.

The Warriors have won their last two games since their 30-8 loss to the Raiders in Las Vegas and currently sit seventh on the standings heading into round four.