A rip-roaring first half clash in the Gallagher Premiership between Leicester and Wasps ended on a note of controversy when Will Spencer was sent off for a high tackle.
Fresh from a superb victory over Newcastle Falcons last week, Murphy's Leicester tore into their rivals early on but were dealt a hammer blow when a misstruck clearance kick hit full-back Telusa Veainu in the face and allowed Juan de Jongh touch down. Veainu and Ford linked up for revenge and make it 22-18 before the incident occurred.
Spencer was sent off for a high hit on Tommy Taylor. Following a lengthy consultation with the TMO, referee Ian Tempest told the Leicester lock "we have to protect players."
? "We have a responsibility to tackle low."
"He's 6 foot 7!"
? "We have to protect the players. It's a red card."
"Rugby's changed! Rugby's changed!"
Will Spencer was shown a red card for a high tackle, but not everybody agrees...
We haven't heard the last of this one ? pic.twitter.com/ynedwRAflU
— Rugby on BT Sport (@btsportrugby) September 16, 2018
The subsequent penalty made it 25-18 while the decision caused a stir online.
Not blaming the referees and I know it’s being done to protect us players but can we go back to red cards only being issued for deliberate acts of bad foul play/ violence not unfortunate incidents that happen as a result of playing a contact sport? It’s ruining the game. #rugby
— Freddie Burns (@FreddieBurns) September 16, 2018
How is that a red card?? Have to feel for Will Spencer there. I understand protecting players but that’s ridiculous.
— Matt Garvey (@MattGarvey5) September 16, 2018
RFU needs to rethink the laws on tackle area Will Spencer is 6ft 7. No intent & although an unfortunate high hit, a red card is a ridiculous decision to have to give. Dont blame refs, just following directives. Agree with Tom Young’s, Rugby has changed for the worse #WASvLEI
— Chris Parlour (@tpcparlour) September 16, 2018
Bad call #WASvLEI
— Billy Vunipola (@bvunipola) September 16, 2018
Tom Youngs: "But he's six foot seven? Rugby's changed, Rugby's changed."
Geordan Murphy: "Don't worry mate. It's bullshit, it's bullshit."
Fair comments from players and coaches? Or are they undermining the current works in concussion?#WASvLEI— Ali Stokes (@alistokesmedia) September 16, 2018
If you want to look after people’s heads, that is red all day. Tough yes, due to comparative heights of the players. But the ruling is key to preserving player safety. Players have to learn.
— Alastair Eykyn (@alastaireykyn) September 16, 2018
"I think the game's gone a little bit too PC."
"That for me is crazy, it's rugby!"
Geordan Murphy is not having the Will Spencer red card... ?#GallagherPrem pic.twitter.com/9SaVLa4UTT
— Rugby on BT Sport (@btsportrugby) September 16, 2018
