'Absolutely atrocious' - Wayne Barnes hammered over questionable call

Referee Wayne Barnes came in for heavy criticism online after yellowing carding French prop Uini Atonio in the Guinness Six Nations second round match between Ireland and France in the Aviva Stadium.

Barnes pulled up shy of handing the giant tighthead a straight red for a highly suspect hit and he’s being slaughtered online for the call.

The giant La Rochelle clattered Ireland hooker Rob Herring was full body contact that clearly rocked the Ulsterman’s head backwards 30 minutes into a pulsating contest.

Despite most expecting a clear red to brandished, on TMO review Barnes argued that there wasn’t a ‘high degree of danger’ despite Herring having to leave the field for a HIA, which he didn’t return from.

In match commentary for RTE television, Donal Lenihan said he was ‘flabbergasted’ by the decision.

BBC rugby journalist Tom English wrote: “Joke decision by Wayne Barnes. Absolutely atrocious refereeing. Redder than red card, that.”

Joke decision by Wayne Barnes. Absolutely atrocious refereeing. Redder than red card, that

— Tom English (@TEnglishSport) February 11, 2023

Clinical Lead of Rugby Player Ireland, Mark Smyth, posted: “Absolutely inexcusable from Wayne Barnes not protecting players that was a red card no debate.”

Absolutely inexcusable from Wayne Barnes not protecting players that was a red card no debate #IREvFRA pic.twitter.com/QQu55haVYE

— Mark Smyth (@psychpolis) February 11, 2023

Ireland women’s player Jenny Murphy wrote: “No one wants a red card …but that’s a red card.”

No one wants a red card …but that's a red card.#IREvFRA

— Jenny Murphy (@jennymurphy045) February 11, 2023

Welsh rugby youtuber Andrew Forde wrote: “Clear cut red card for Atonio that. Not sure how there’s any mitigation whatsoever.”

Clear cut red card for Atonio that. Not sure how there’s any mitigation whatsoever #IREvFRA

— Andrew Forde (@andrewfrugby) February 11, 2023

Renowned Irish commentator Ryle Nugent wrote: “First half: brilliant, breathless, physically brutal. Lowe try shouldn’t have been awarded. Atonio yellow card should have been red. Two outstanding teams in an outstanding game that u can’t take ur eyes off.. phew”

First half: brilliant, breathless, physically brutal. Lowe try shouldn’t have been awarded. Atonio yellow card should have been red. Two outstanding teams in an outstanding game that u can’t take ur eyes off.. phew ? #IREvFRA

— Ryle Nugent (@ryle_nugent) February 11, 2023

Another fan noted: “Wayne Barnes doesn’t often get those wrong but that’s an awful decision for the safety of the game. How much contact before the head contact?? Not a high degree of danger?”

Wayne Barnes doesn’t often get those wrong but that’s an awful decision for the safety of the game. How much contact before the head contact?? Not a high degree of danger?

— Jonny Holland (@jonnyholland10) February 11, 2023

There were many far less measured responses from Ireland fans, who were irate with the call.