Leinster and the Sharks played out one of the all-time URC games at the RDS yesterday evening. Johnny Sexton made his first start of the season in the 13 try thriller, and served up one of his regular reminders that there is wide margin between himself and the next best ten in Ireland.
However, despite his rugby playing prowess, Sexton came under fire on social media for his behaviour towards referee Craig Evans.
Sexton is known for his particular abrasiveness when confronting referees, and has been criticised for it in the past, and yesterday he was repeatedly warned by Evans for constant backchat.
Many took to Twitter to vent their disgust at Sexton's behaviour, describing it as 'tiresome and counter-productive' and 'disrespectful.'
Others disagreed and felt that Johnny Sexton was not just within his rights to converse in such a way with Evans, but that this type of leadership and protection of his players was needed from Leinster's captain, in a game where there was many incidences of foul play.
Differing Views On Behaviour Of Johnny Sexton
I’m a Leinster fan.
But one of these days, a Referee has to be strong enough to card Sexton for his constant verbals.
Really tiresome and counter-productive.
And just wrong too - don’t want that shite in Rugby.#LEIvSHA— Stephen Wall (@StephenWall1985) October 8, 2022
Sexton is a whining sourpuss, totally disrespectful of a referee. Bad captain, very unsportsmanlike.
— johan van Rensburg (@JvR3160) October 8, 2022
Sexton may be a great player but feez the whinging is not a good look. Ever.
— Brenden Nel (@BrendenNel) October 8, 2022
Interesting that the SuperSport panel also have a few words for Sexton's constant whinging...just saying. If you're a Leinster fan, check your privilege.
— Brenden Nel (@BrendenNel) October 8, 2022
Jonny Sexton acting like a bit of a tosser today.
— Sportbilly (@sportbillysays) October 8, 2022
How many players would get away with the backchat that Sexton gets away with. Siya gets half the leewatly but there is an written rule to put up with Sextons whinging
— Brenden Nel (@BrendenNel) October 8, 2022
Sexton is an elite #10. You see it in every action he has on the field. Real quality.
You can see him fighting for his players too with the referee. That's what you want to see, even if you don't like it. Proper captain. #LEIvSHA— Three Red Kings (@threeredkings) October 8, 2022
Disagree with the commentator's criticism of Sexton talking to the referee today.
Don't think there's any malice from the Sharks, but if you don't stand up for your teammates when it comes to player safety, you never will.#LEIvSHA— EK Rugby Analysis (@ek_rugby) October 8, 2022
Every single fan bitching about Sexton would sell their granny to have him play for their team. #LEIvSHA
— El_Poderoso (@ronanodowd) October 8, 2022
READ HERE: Watch: Johnny Sexton Post-Game Interview Gatecrashed By His Son
After the match, Leinster head coach, Leo Cullen, spoke positively about his side's performance and execution.
“I thought we started with good intent, the guys did a decent week’s work.
“We prepared well for this game, we knew it would be a good challenge, the Sharks have that bit of cohesion and togetherness off the back of two wins, and with Noel [McNamara, Sharks attack coach] coming back here, there were lots of factors we were concerned about.
“They’re big, physical men, you see them, size-wise, and that’s the challenge. It’s a totally different ball game we’re up against in this competition.
“The South African teams have picked up wins. Even the Lions, who would have lost a lost of players to the likes of the Sharks, they picked up wins on the road, so they’re circling. It’s created a totally different dynamic to the competition.
“They tested us out, and I thought the way we responded, scoring some great tries. There are lots of positive things in the game.”
SEE ALSO: Leinster Claim Victory In 13 Try Thriller Over Sharks
