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Watch: Johnny Sexton throws Joey Carbery to the ground before standing over him in taunting display
Yesterday’s Munster vs. Leinster derby clash was a throwback to the ill-tempered days of old where no love was lost, even between ex-teammates.
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In the third scuffle of the match, one that spilled over the sideline after a high-shot from Conor Murray, Leinster out-half Johnny Sexton found young rival Joey Carbery and threw him to the ground with a ‘horse collar’ before standing over him and appearing to deliver a few choice words.
Johnny re-introduces himself to Joey at Thomond Park ??#MUNvLEI #GuinnessPRO14 pic.twitter.com/Q9NY8BMSNR
— eir Sport (@eirSport) December 29, 2018
The taunting display sparked memories of Sexton’s overzealous try celebration standing over another Munster outhalf, Ronan O’Gara.
Sexton’s ugly display didn’t go unnoticed by fans, with some labeling it ‘petulant’ and a ‘disgrace’, calling into question his leadership role with Ireland.
Tonight’s game proved 3 massive Johnny Sexton facts, 1) He’s a terrible captain and should never do the job for Ireland. 2) He’s a complete arsehole in any adversity on the field to the point of it being selfdestructive. 3) He absolutely fears Joey Carbery.
— MC33 (@mick_cotter1) December 29, 2018
Also Murray’s high tackle was the exact same. And Sexton defo yellow for that collar grab on Carbery. No control over this game. Where’s @Nigelrefowens
— Matty D (@Dreno95) December 29, 2018
Incorrect, professionals need to behave like professionals… Sexton going after Carbery was completely unnecessary and petulant from one of Ireland’s leaders.
— Simon (@Elmestech) December 29, 2018
Thought Sexton was a disgrace tonight. This was his second pop off Carbery, he tried to bully/boss the game instead of trusting his skills. Not captain material
— David Quaid (@DavidQuaid5) December 29, 2018
Two incidents were visibly clear between Sexton and Carbery, the collar-pull throwing him to the ground and an unsavoury knee at the bottom of a ruck that left him in visible discomfort.
#MUNvLEI Interesting to see will Sexton be punished for 2 incidents with Carbery, 1st one set the game up for what it became, petulance. 2nd a knee in the chest.
— DJLinehan68 (@linny55) December 29, 2018
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When queried in a post-match interview, Sexton remained coy advising he did not recall the incidents and that ‘it’s just something that happens in a rugby match’.
Leinster received two yellow cards and one red in a match marred by ill-discipline on both sides, which erupted early and often after dangerous high-tackles.
“It doesn’t take a scientist to work out that it was discipline that probably cost us the game,” Sexton told eir Sport after the game.
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