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'Bottled that': Wayne Barnes leniency over high tackle sparks drama in Premiership final
By Sam Smith
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.
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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.
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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.
