**Sharks fine Gallen $10,000**
From: AAP December 15, 2009 6:52PM
CRONULLA have fined Test lock Paul Gallen $10,000, $5000 of it suspended, after he was issued with an infringement notice for public urination over the weekend.
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Gallen was spotted urinating in public and near someone's head in the early hours of last Saturday morning and issued with an infringement notice by police.
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The club has investigated the incident and decided to hand the former captain a heavy fine, half of which will remain suspended on good behaviour for the remainder of his contract.
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Gallen, who is currently on leave after the Four Nations tournament, has apologised for the incident and accepts that the board needed to take action.
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"While there are extenuating circumstances around the incident, I accept that ultimately I have embarrassed everyone involved in the club," Gallen said.
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"I genuinely apologise for my actions particularly at a time when there is such a positive feeling around the club with so many people doing a great job off the field."
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Club CEO Richard Fisk is confident the Sharks have taken suitable action.
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"Paul is the first to admit to an error of judgement and accepts that a strong penalty was required," said Fisk.
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"Whilst the club has taken a strong stand against the unacceptable behaviour from one of our senior players, the police have confirmed that after the incident Paul was apologetic, polite and co-operative."
5K for a wee….hefty....
