2024-01-25 12:06:37
While Josh Caulfield’s red card was withdrawn by the EPCR, former referee Nigel Owens did not hide his bewilderment. “I’m happy to be retired,” commented the Welshman.
After a Rugby World Cup marked by an increasing number of controversies and discussions linked to refereeing, the resumption of the championships and European Cups has not really helped the situation. Besides, if you don’t fully understand certain rules and certain decisions, know that even the greatest specialists can be lost too.
An example: the red card to Josh Caulfield, Bristol’s second row, who stepped on an opponent’s head during a regroup. In the process, the EPCR decided to cancel this sanction, which allows the Englishman to be available for the Premiership match against Bath.
The ugly gesture that earned Josh Caulfield a red card against Connacht!pic.twitter.com/7RjedP5HJ5
— Gauthier Baudin (@GauthierBaudin) January 19, 2024
For former referee Nigel Owens, it is an incomprehensible decision. “How can they say it’s a foul but not a red card? the Welshman asked on Twitter. If it is not a fault but a simple accident, then we must let it play out. If it is a reckless and unfair play, then it must be a red card. For what it’s worth, it’s a red card for me because it’s not a natural ruck action but recklessness. » “I’m glad I retired,” even concludes the former international referee, perplexed.
An Internet user relaunched Owens by asking him if the fact that Caulfield himself took “a shot of crampons in the face” during a previous action could explain this gesture. Welsh response: “If you think that’s the cause of this, keep playing, no foul.” I’m not too sure, so if it’s foul play it must be a red card. »
How can they say this is foul play but not red card. If it’s not foul play and complete accident then play on. If It’s reckless and foul play then it has to be RC. For what it’s worth it’s a RC for me as it’s not a natural action of rucking and reckless.
Glad I retired ????— Nigel Owens MBE (@Nigelrefowens) January 23, 2024
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