Munster and Northampton broke into complete chaos in their Champions Cup clash at Franklins Garden.
Two sides that have classic clashes in the past, both sides came into the game needing victory after defeats in the opening round of games.
In difficult conditions, it was Munster who looked to be taking control of the game, as two tries from Gavin Coombes giving Munster a 17-6 lead.
As the tension rose in the second half with so much at stake, the game completely boiled over in the 52nd minute.
As Munster tried to get further up the pitch when they chased an up and under kick from Craig Casey, players from both sides got into a huge unnecessary scuffle on the pitch.
Well that escalated quickly…old school union!#NORvMUN pic.twitter.com/VWsv07MzeF
— Stuart McAvoy (@stuart__mcavoy) December 18, 2022
Despite the scuffle including every player from both sides, it somehow only resulted in two yellow cards. Munster's Jack O'Donoghue and Northampton captain Lewis Ludlam were sent to the sin bin, a decision that boggled viewers.
While it started off camera, it looks like the two players that started it all were issued yellows. However the scenes that unfolded on screen surely warranted yellow cards.
Further replays showed the Northampton captain dragging and holding down Munster prop John Ryan by the neck, and will surely lead to a lengthy ban.
This doesn’t look good for Ludlum. Appears he pins Ryan down by the neck.
Again we will all eagerly await the citing report pic.twitter.com/32KVXiAet3— CaolanSRugby (@CaolanSRugby00) December 18, 2022
Players were dragged to the ground and grabbed by the neck, while Keith Earls was taken out completely, in what could have resulted in a serious injury.
How the TMO managed to not come to a decision of a red card for a player is not only wrong, but deeply concerning for rugby.
For a game that prides itself on showing respect to one another, regardless of the game or the result, this is extremely disappointing to see.
The match officials were kept busy in the second half, as Craig Casey's yellow card minutes later reduced Munster to 13 men for a dangerous challenge in the air.
With Leinster up next in Thomond Park on St Stephen's Day, Munster will hope suspensions for the incident aren't coming their way.
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