'Bottled that': Wayne Barnes leniency over high tackle sparks drama in Premiership final

Leicester Tigers’ last-gasp 15-12 victory over Saracens in the Gallagher Premiership final was a thrilling encounter but a yellow card decision early in the match caused controversy.

The game was thrown into controversy when Saracens scrum-half Aled Davies was guilty of a direct shoulder to the head of Tigers hooker Julian Montoya in a high tackle in the 25th minute.

With Saracens leading 3-0 at the time, the decision was going to change the course of the final in Leicester’s favour if a red card issued.

RugbyPass Offload | Episode 38

The big rig Will Skelton joins us from Monaco this week where he’s on tour with the Barbarians and rooming with George Kruis. He fills us in on the tour so far, hanging out at the palace with the Prince and who’s leading the charge off the pitch. We also hear about his man-of-the-match performance for La Rochelle in the Champions Cup Final, that famous open-top bus celebration and what it’s like playing for coaches like O’Gara and Cheika.

RugbyPass Offload | Episode 38

The big rig Will Skelton joins us from Monaco this week where he’s on tour with the Barbarians and rooming with George Kruis. He fills us in on the tour so far, hanging out at the palace with the Prince and who’s leading the charge off the pitch. We also hear about his man-of-the-match performance for La Rochelle in the Champions Cup Final, that famous open-top bus celebration and what it’s like playing for coaches like O’Gara and Cheika.

Referee Wayne Barnes, officiating his tenth Premiership final, was reluctant to go with a red and explained that there was not “enough strength” in the tackle despite what looked to be a forceful collision.

Former England international Andy Goode floated a theory that the officials were trying not to heavily influence the game by issuing a red card.

Shoulder to the head and Montoya’s head jolts backwards. Not sure how that’s not a red card but I think because it’s a final they are trying not to give one

— Andy Goode (@AndyGoode10) June 18, 2022

Aled Davies is very lucky to still be on the field, that was a clear red card and Wayne Barnes bottled it, shoulder straight to the face doesn’t get any clearer. The inconsistency from the officials is absolutely shocking, ruining the game. #LEIvSAR

— Llion Rhys (@LlionRhys2) June 18, 2022

Wayne Barnes has bottled that, absolutely crazy how he hasn’t given a red there

— Huw (@huwjmorris_) June 18, 2022

Wayne Barnes in bottling the big decision shocker – yet again. Red card all day long. He has so much previous of this kinda shit in finals and big games. Yeah, maybe don’t ruin a final, but that just has to be a red card. #LEISAR #LEIvSAR

— Conor Whelan (@Conorwhelanire) June 18, 2022

Wayne Barnes continuing with the curious lack of red cards during the knockout stages of the Prem… #LEIvSAR

— Naxis (@Naxis911) June 18, 2022

If Leicester Tigers loose this, Wayne Barnes / TMO needs seriously looking at #LEIvSAR pic.twitter.com/QSDvp6ctJa

— Emma1215 (@Emma12150) June 18, 2022

Don’t think I’m breaking the internet here, but this is 100 per cent a red card. Saracens and Aled Davies incredibly lucky to get away with yellow. Leicester lead 12-6 at half time in the Premiership final. https://t.co/kODiWJ48jB

— Alex Bywater (@_AlexBywater) June 18, 2022

The Tigers were pushed extremely close by the five-time Premiership winners, who were able to draw up proceedings at 12-all to set up a grand stand finish. However, if the red card had been issued it may have been a different story.

With the game on a knife edge, Barnes then inadvertently found himself between Vunipola and the tryline, only to further upset fans.

Wayne Barnes obstructs Vinupola. Apologises with: “I guess I’m the only person who can stop you.” #LEIvSAR #Wayne

— Kevin OCeallaigh (@koceallaigh) June 18, 2022

The moment that Wayne Barnes lost the match for @Saracens!! @premrugby @btsportrugby #bbcrugby #LEIvSAR #PremiershipFinal #premrugby pic.twitter.com/BBRMtzdws5

— Jon Salinger (@jonsalinger1973) June 18, 2022

Some *EXCELLENT* defence for @LeicesterTigers there by Wayne Barnes!

I’m no @Saracens fan, but! … 😳#LEIvSAR

ADVERTISEMENT

— Michael Brown 🌍🇺🇦 (@bikelawman) June 18, 2022

FANTASTIC DEFENSIVE WORK FROM BARNES!!! 👏🏼👏🏼 #LEIvSAR #GallagherPremFinal

— Tom Wade (@tomjwade) June 18, 2022

Barnes explained that with both the Davies’ incident and Matt Scott’s yellow at the end of the game, that both tackles started at a yellow because the ball carrier, and not the tackler were dominant.

Barnes, who has refereed a wealth of games at national and international level, broke the all-time Premiership Rugby appearance record for a referee in 2017, while earlier this year he officiated his 250th Gallagher Premiership Rugby match.