Warriors chief executive Cameron George has leapt to the defence of winger Marcelo Montoya, describing him as an “outstanding human being” after the Fijian international was referred to the judiciary for using a homophobic slur picked up on a referee microphone.

Montoya is expected to plead guilty to the contrary conduct charge when he fronts the NRL judiciary on Tuesday night, having admitted to club officials over the weekend it was his voice which was heard calling Cowboys rival a “f—-t” on Friday night.

The NRL handed down the charge on Sunday afternoon after reviewing video footage of the incident, in which Feldt stayed down after a tackle from Montoya, who was imploring the State of Origin winger to get up.

The slur was captured on the Fox Sports broadcast, and prompted the NRL to launch its own probe into the incident when it was not immediately certain where the comment came from.

The Warriors are expected to vigorously defend Montoya’s character when he fronts the judiciary panel, including a reference about his work in a homeless shelter only days before the match at Moreton Daily Stadium in Redcliffe.

George said the offence was “unacceptable” and “had no place in society or the game”, but was unequivocal in his support for Montoya, who is facing a suspension and possible fine for using the term.