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'A dangerous precedent': Wasps issue warning over how some high tackled players are overreacting

(Photo by Matthew Lewis/Getty Images)

Wasps boss Lee Blackett has warned that rugby must avoid football-style red card appeals to the referee by players who are the victims of high tackles. With increased input from television match officials highlighting tackles that either make contact or come too close to connecting with the head, the Gallagher Premiership club coach fears there is a danger that those being tackled could try to influence the officials by overreacting.

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“You want the right decision to be made and it’s a tough one,” said Blackett a media briefing ahead of Saturday’s trip by Wasps to Northampton, their next game following the red card for Ben Morris in their win over Worcester. “At the moment, what I see in rugby is that anyone who gets slightly hit around the head they are staying down. 

“It’s a dangerous precedent. Everyone wants to win and I hate to watch footballers diving. I’m not saying it is happening all the time but I don’t want it to go into rugby.

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    “I don’t blame the players for it because they are competitors and want to win and 100 per cent it is happening. We don’t want to be in a situation where players are trying to get other players sent off. 

    “With crowds (back) it is only natural for a referee to look at the big screen when everyone at Franklin’s Gardens is screaming about a Wasps chop tackle and they are trying to make it a red card.

    I just want it to be accurate and I like VAR in football because the right decision has been made. All we want in rugby is the best decisions made and generally, the best referees make the best decision in rugby. 

    “What I like is that if the TMO makes them aware then the best referees will sometimes go against the TMO. The strong referees will override the TMO.”

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    R
    RedWarrior 2 hours ago
    The reason given by Steve Borthwick for latest England setback

    So England are allowed to have a tsunami whinge fest about the ref but if an Irish fan points out that some decisions hurt Ireland also they are being petulant.

    Honestly some English supporters are all politeness until they lose then the claws and fangs come out.

    Ok here we go, not complaints just pointing out where England got away with roul play:

    1: M Smiths headbutt on James Lowe that started the fracas with Stewart. If the ref spots that in time then thats a second yellow if not a straight red for Smith. Probably worth another 14 points with England gassed so a 41-10 final scoreline?

    2: Itoje's several stamps on Hansens instep in a clear attempt to damage metatarsals. Straight red or if he is lucky, 10 in the bin.

    3. Currys block on Baird to create a gap that Smith used to break the line. Penalty and possession for Ireland deep in England 22 with score at 0:0.

    4: The correct decision for the Cunningham South dangerous tackle was a yellow. Lowe blew it by confronting him. The ref didn't give South or Lowe a yellow. The ref couldn't give Lowe a yellow anyway as the TMO would have informed him that m Smith alone started the previosu fracas and its not unreasonable for a player to react to being headbutted.


    One last thing missing from English analysis

    How is coming over to Dublin acting like you own the place, committing filthy cowardly off the ball cheap shots working out for you? I mean you clearly dont care that we think your team are a crowd of a$$holes but...... rugby wise, how is riling the Irish team to focus and get the best out of themselves against such unpleasant opposition working for you on the scoreboard?


    Food for thought old boy!!!!

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