Tim Smith fined, banned from alcohol

The Parramatta Eels have fined half-back Tim Smith $1,000 and banned him from drinking alcohol for the 2008 season.

Smith made obscene gestures and delivered some colourful language to a member of the public last Sunday. He was later called to confront a panel of Eels chief executive Denis Fitzgerald, football manager Andrew Hill and coach Michael Hagan to explain his actions.

Smith confessed to having an alcohol problem and will continue to have counselling sessions with a specialist.

It is understood that Smith's fine will be donated to Ronald McDonald House at Westmead in Sydney's west.

"We had a very positive meeting with Tim this morning and he was very sorry that his drunkenness and actions let down the club and its fans," Mr Fitzgerald said in a media statement.

"He telephoned the complainant to apologise for any of his actions or words that may have offended the man and his family."