WATCH: Huge Controversy As Leicester Lock Sees Red For High Shoulder Hit
Latest posts by Will Matthews (see all)
- IRFU block Munster from making a signing in key position - April 24, 2024
- Former All Black Aaron Cruden reveals talks with Irish province - April 23, 2024
- Munster break incredible record that will have fans thinking one thing - April 23, 2024
Harsh?
Leicester Tigers lock Will Spencer has just been shown a red card in the Premiership for a controversial high shoulder hit on Wasps flanker Tommy Taylor that has sparked quite a reaction.
Taylor’s looked to be a pretty nasty collision, but the size difference perhaps should have been considered. He clearly bends his knees and doesn’t look like it was anything intentional.
If these red cards continue it will ruin the game. IMO (legally I have to say that) pic.twitter.com/fYUTIvD9lj
— Tom Shanklin (@TomShanklin) September 16, 2018
Tigers captain Tom Youngs was not impressed with the decision claiming:
“Rugby has changed, rugby has changed.”
A number of current and former players have also come out in Twitter, with many feeling it should not have been a red. What do you think? Letter of the law red or was their mitigating circumstances that should have seen it reduced?
“Bullshit, mate. Bullshit” says Geordan Murphy to Will Spencer as he’s red-carded.
Tough call, but if your shoulder hits someone’s head like that I’m afraid it’s going to be a red card. Yes he’s tall, yes Taylor is short, but still. #PremRugby #WASvLEI #rugby
— Will Kelleher (@willgkelleher) September 16, 2018
Bad call #WASvLEI
— Billy Vunipola (@bvunipola) September 16, 2018
Not blaming the referees and I know it’s being done to protect us players but can we go back to red cards only being issued for deliberate acts of bad foul play/ violence not unfortunate incidents that happen as a result of playing a contact sport? It’s ruining the game. #rugby
— Freddie Burns (@FreddieBurns) September 16, 2018
Never in a million Sunday’s is that a red. #WASvLEI https://t.co/TP7z2l5u8D
— Jim Hamilton 🐺 (@jimhamilton4) September 16, 2018
Huge call giving Spencer a red card there by Ian Tempest. Letter of the law says red if it’s direct contact to the head with force but mitigating circumstances were Taylor had lowered is body height. Tough call but as Tom Youngs said “rugby has changed”
— Andy Goode (@AndyGoode10) September 16, 2018
Even as a wasps fan you must think that’s pathetic, I’ve seen it all now. Ruined a good game
— Gengey (@EllisGenge) September 16, 2018
Don’t agree with the red, @ugomonye is right to the letter of the law that is a red but I see it being overturned. Tommy Taylor’s legs at the point of collision are bent at 90 degrees if at height it would still probably high but borderline yellow.
— mike tindall (@miketindall13) September 16, 2018
100% mate. Tough for refs, as I agree with his explanation but think that’s a really tough red card.
— ugo monye (@ugomonye) September 16, 2018
A lot of current and ex pros not happy with this red card.
Harsh? pic.twitter.com/0nGmhvUtxC
— RugbyLAD (@RugbyLAD7) September 16, 2018
