Ex-Lion 'getting stick' for breaking Welsh narrative on controversial call

Former Wales international Tom Shanklin was the centre of a heated social media debate on Sunday following his comments on the controversial ending of the Ulster versus Cardiff URC match on Friday night.

The final minutes of the game at Ravenhill have been a talking point over the weekend in Welsh rugby circles after referee Mike Adamson oversaw what was ultimately a ten-point turnaround in favour of Ulster in the 79th minute of the game.

During the match’s dying moments, Cardiff appeared to secure a rare win in Belfast with Theo Cabango’s potential hat-trick try, only for it to be disallowed by the TMO for a knock-on by Cardiff’s replacement loosehead Rhys Carre.

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The decision not only cost Cardiff the match but ended their hopes of a first victory in Ulster in 14 years.

Shanklin appeared on BBC’s ScrumV and said he agreed with the divisive decision, one that even saw a WRU match report claim Cardiff had been ‘robbed’.

“It was a penalty. There were a couple of incidents that happened on the right-hand side, when one of the front row puts his hand down, it’s an unnatural position, it’s instinctive. But, when it’s slowed down, it did come off Rhys Carre’s hand,” Shanklin told his co-hosts.

“In real time it looks like it goes backwards, but the initial movement from the ball does go forward, and refs are so hot now on that position, because that’s not a tackling position, when your arms are out wide like that, that’s not how people tackle,” he added. “They haven’t won in Ulster for a long time, they haven’t won away in a year, so you’ve got to feel sorry for them. But you can’t defend like that with your arms out.”

Shanklin took to social media after his television appearance to once again back the TMO’s decision, countering the general sentiment among Welsh fans which claimed Cardiff had a right to feel cheated.

“Getting stick for calling it, but for me it’s a knock-on. Gutting for Cardiff because they deserved the win. Biggest issue was the clear knock-on prior to Ulster’s try,” wrote Shanklin on X, with a video of the Carre’s apparent knock-on.

Getting stick for calling it, but for me it’s a knock on. Gutting for Cardiff because they deserved the win. Biggest issue was the clear knock on prior to Ulster try. pic.twitter.com/IO7hj9FF4I

— Tom Shanklin (@TomShanklin) April 19, 2024

His ‘doubling downing’ drew further criticism from irate fans, who felt the call was harsh and accused Shanklin of being out of touch. Shanklin cited consultations with former referees and players, emphasizing the rigour of his analysis.

Despite support from refereeing legend Nigel Owens – who agreed with Shanklin’s assessment – the backlash continued.

Shanklin engaged directly with his critics on the platform (always a risky strategy), urging respect and defending his professional diligence in backing the officials.

“Just for a second have a think about the due diligence I would do before coming on the show,” replied Shanklin to one fan. “The former refs , players etc I’ve spoken to. I mean this as no offence but I listen to their opinion over yours. Unless you’re a B&I lion of course.”

Fans soon rounded on the former British & Irish Lions tourist, claiming he was making an argument from authority because of his Test career.

He summed it well before the night was out, saying in response to one account: ‘Angry at myself for replying now.’