Cardiff Blues Lock Left Disgusted By Red Card In Challenge Cup Game

Was it a red card?

World Rugby has been clamping down big time in recent weeks when it comes to any contact with an opponents head, neck or face. As a result we’ve seen an absolute flurry of red cards over the past couple of weeks.

Cardiff Blues lock George Earle was the latest victim of the recent clamping down by officials, as he saw red in their game against Bath last night in the Challenge Cup for an apparent eye rake.

The South African lock found himself buried within a maul with his head down and reached his right hand reached out, making contact with the face of Tom Ellis. While there was no apparent gouging or, arguably, malice, match referee Alexandre Ruiz stopped by at the protestations of Ellis and consulted the television match official for a review of the incident.

The French official believed he was left with no choice but to show Earle red, quoting the letter of the law, much to the disgust of the lock who made it clear to the ref that he could not see while he was in the maul.

Should he have been sent-off? Have a look below and let us know in the comments.