Italy team to conduct investigation into alleged fight after match with Ireland
World Cup officials have launched an investigation into an alleged fight between two players from the Italy team.
Australia's Channel Seven has reported that fighting broke out following Italy's 36-12 defeat by Ireland in Sunday's opening match in Cairns which resulted in star full-back James Tedesco being hit by a team-mate.
Tournament chief executive Andrew Hill says that the matter has been referred to Rugby League World Cup integrity unit for investigation and that the Italian officials are cooperating with the organising committee.
In a statement, president of the Italian Rugby League Federation Orazio D'arro said: "It has been reported in social media and news that two members from the Italian Rugby League World Cup squad were involved in an altercation on Sunday 29 October at an establishment in Cairns.
"As a result of an internal review conducted on Monday 30 October by the Federazione Italian Rugby League (FIRL) of the incident, both players involved will appear before an internal review committee within the next 24 hours about their conduct during this incident.
"FIRL understands the importance of ensuring that players are not to engage in conduct that is detrimental or damaging to rugby league or the Rugby League World Cup.
"Both players involved understand their obligations to the Rugby League World Cup and the acceptable behaviour in public.
"The Federazione Italiana Rugby League have cooperated with the RLWC organisers about the incident and are satisfied that all measures have been taken to ensure compliance with the RLWC integrity unit and the player code of conduct."
It is understood that both players involved have kept their places in coach Cameron Ciraldo's squad for Italy's next game against the United States in Townsville on Sunday.
