The opening weekend of the Champions Cup has seen several controversial calls by referees, but the pick of the lot came during Gloucester and Castres tie at Kingsholm when Johan Ackermann's side were penalised for a deep clearout.
The decision was heavily criticised by former English player Austin Healey, who labelled referee Marius Mitrea's performance as 'rubbish.' It comes after yesterday's debate surrounding Jerome Garces breakdown interpretation and a penalty try decision that ultimately cost Scarlets the game against Racing last night.
Tom Marshall touched down after a blindside break from the earlier breakdown. However, it was deemed that the clearout was illegal as Castres second-row Christophe Samson was not fully committed.
"THAT IS AN ABSOLUTE SHOCKER"
Scenes at Kingsholm as Gloucester are denied their first try...
??? pic.twitter.com/BJwymp03qN
— Watch #ShoulderToShoulder on BT Sport (@btsportrugby) October 14, 2018
Former Irish player and current Gloucester defence coach Jonny Bell told BT Sport they were "just trying to clear the ball" and not looking for an illegal clearout. World Rugby do define a player as joining a ruck as someone who 'must bind:' "Player must bind onto a team-mate or an opposition player. The bind must precede or be simultaneous with contact with any other part of the body."
Awful decision. Terrible. Gloucester robbed a try there #ChampionsCup
— Ugo Monye (@ugomonye) October 14, 2018
Gloucester v Castres- good game considering the conditions. By the way, you're not part of a ruck or maul unless you are bound. A hand on a player or just being close doesn't constitute binding.
— Brian Moore (@brianmoore666) October 14, 2018
Been through this many times with Nigel Owens on Full Contact - binding is contact between shoulder and arm not a hand on or being close to.
— Brian Moore (@brianmoore666) October 14, 2018
That no-try call is almost as bad as Gloucester's kit.
— Ben Coles (@bencoles_) October 14, 2018
While the referees have strived to provide feedback on why they made their decision, the resulting discussion emphasises the massive grey area that still surrounds certain aspects of the sport and its laws.
