South Sydney coach Jason Taylor has been sacked by the club this afternoon over his role in the 'Mad Sunday' fiasco involving departing Rabbitohs forward David Fa'alogo.
Taylor was involved in an altercation with the New Zealand International during the Rabbitohs' end-of-season festivities at Forrester's Hotel in Surry Hills 11 days ago.
John Lang has been installed as Taylor's replacement on a two-year deal.
Lang, who joined the club as football consultant last year, won a premiership during his time as coach of the Penrith Panthers.
Fa'alogo - who was contracted until October before leaving for the UK Super League - has also been sacked.
"This is not about one or two people. It is about our club, standing up for what we believe is right, and ensuring that we uphold our reputation," Rabbitohs CEO Shane Richardson said.
"It's about protecting the club and everything that we stand for.
"The incident that occurred on September 6 has undoubtedly done damage to the Club’s reputation, despite an otherwise unblemished 2009 season."
Taylor has threatened legal action against the club, denying that his actions brought Souths into disrepute.
In a statement today, Taylor said he would act to clear his name.
"My attendance at Forrester's was expressly approved by the club," Taylor said.
"I drank responsibly at Forrester's. I was not intoxicated. I have three independent witness statements from Forrester's bar and security staff that confirm this.
"Along with players (including David Fa'alogo), I engaged in pretend, light-weight, kung-fu play. David was a willing participant in the play encounter that directly preceded the incident.
"My actions at Forrester's and since have not brought the club into disrepute and I did not breach my contract of employment or any code of conduct.
"I deeply regret the impact that this has brought to my family, the players, the members and the club.
"I believe that I have been treated unfairly by the club, I will be taking the matter further and doing all I can to defend my honour and clear my good name."
Taylor took over as Rabbitohs coach in 2007, after starting his NRL coaching career with the Parramatta Eels in 2006. In his first year at the club, he took South Sydney to the finals for the first time since 1989.
I believe that I have been treated unfairly by the club, I will be taking the matter further.
Sacked Rabbitohs coach Jason Taylor
Taylor was involved in an altercation with the New Zealand International during the Rabbitohs' end-of-season festivities at Forrester's Hotel in Surry Hills 11 days ago.
John Lang has been installed as Taylor's replacement on a two-year deal.
Lang, who joined the club as football consultant last year, won a premiership during his time as coach of the Penrith Panthers.
Fa'alogo - who was contracted until October before leaving for the UK Super League - has also been sacked.
"This is not about one or two people. It is about our club, standing up for what we believe is right, and ensuring that we uphold our reputation," Rabbitohs CEO Shane Richardson said.
"It's about protecting the club and everything that we stand for.
"The incident that occurred on September 6 has undoubtedly done damage to the Club’s reputation, despite an otherwise unblemished 2009 season."
Taylor has threatened legal action against the club, denying that his actions brought Souths into disrepute.
In a statement today, Taylor said he would act to clear his name.
"My attendance at Forrester's was expressly approved by the club," Taylor said.
"I drank responsibly at Forrester's. I was not intoxicated. I have three independent witness statements from Forrester's bar and security staff that confirm this.
"Along with players (including David Fa'alogo), I engaged in pretend, light-weight, kung-fu play. David was a willing participant in the play encounter that directly preceded the incident.
"My actions at Forrester's and since have not brought the club into disrepute and I did not breach my contract of employment or any code of conduct.
"I deeply regret the impact that this has brought to my family, the players, the members and the club.
"I believe that I have been treated unfairly by the club, I will be taking the matter further and doing all I can to defend my honour and clear my good name."
Taylor took over as Rabbitohs coach in 2007, after starting his NRL coaching career with the Parramatta Eels in 2006. In his first year at the club, he took South Sydney to the finals for the first time since 1989.
