Fall-out from World Rugby's Peyper faux pas
WORLD CUP REACTION: Following the decision not to consider Jaco Peyper as a referee the semifinals this weekend for a picture taken with Welsh fans, World Rugby have received some heavy criticism from fans on social media.
The South African referee, who would have been in contention to referee England’s contest with the All Blacks, has been overlooked after taking a photo with fans mimicking Sebastien Vahaamahina’s elbow which saw the lock sent off in Oita.
Fans have said that the photo was in poor judgement by the referee, but only that, and it certainly does not indicate any malice or bias. This was the clearest cut red card perhaps of the RWC so far, as it was simply an act of wanton violence by the ASM Clermont lock against Aaron Wainwright.
This was just a case of a referee interacting with fans, and the aftermath has been an example of “political correctness”, according to fans, as this was no more than a joke.
Jaco Peyper dans un bel hommage à Vahaamahina. Photo de Fabien Heuzé pic.twitter.com/g5vo93413s
— Arnaud Coudry (@ArnaudCoudry) October 20, 2019
There is no denying that Peyper should not have done this, but it is hard to see what the photo indicates. Had he made light of the contentious rip by Tomos Williams in the denying minutes of the game that led to Ross Moriarty’s try, then the reaction from World Rugby would be justified, as any referee would get in trouble for joking about such controversial decisions. But the dismissal of the Frenchman was in no way controversial, and fans feel this is an unnecessary overreaction by World Rugby, and the semi-final has been robbed of one of the best referees in the game.
This is what has been said:
Jaco Peyper: World Rugby omits fan-picture referee from semi-finals Call me old fashioned, but I think the leaders of World 🏉 have sunk to a pathetic level of political correctness. He was having a laugh and please don’t tell me, as a match official he can’t relax on time off.
— Duncan Lilley (@DuncanLilley) October 22, 2019
Whoever has ultimately made this decision at world rugby needs a real sense of perspective. If any other role within that game game such as a coach / player / analysis is pictured here instead of Peyper then 0 action is being taken. Completely unfair and 100% the wrong decision. pic.twitter.com/F8bZgp7E6g
— James Peters (@JamesPeters2502) October 22, 2019
Snowflakes and sore losers need to take a hard look at themselves if they think that Jaco Peyper should be sanctioned for what is a Mickey Take. Just shows him to be human and not a robot.
— Andy Kennedy (@Madtyke) October 22, 2019
Feel for Jaco Peyper. Clear red card, no interpretation needed and look like he will be penalised for enjoying himself after the game. The bloke just getting amongst it and joking around about how stupid a player can be in a World Cup quarterfinals! #PrayforPeyper #RugbyWorldCup
— Steffan Jones (@steffan88757432) October 22, 2019
Anyone else think the Jaco Peyper photo “controversy” is a load of rubbish? Poor judgement to take the photo but there’s no ambiguity over the red card so why make such a big deal. Call him in “Jaco don’t be a twat & take those photos,now go back to work”#RWC19 #japan #Elbowgate
— Alan Daly (@Alan_Daly85) October 22, 2019
Anyone else think the Jaco Peyper photo “controversy” is a load of rubbish? Poor judgement to take the photo but there’s no ambiguity over the red card so why make such a big deal. Call him in “Jaco don’t be a twat & take those photos,now go back to work”#RWC19 #japan #Elbowgate
— Alan Daly (@Alan_Daly85) October 22, 2019
Nigel Owens is set to referee the England versus All Blacks match, while Jérôme Garcès takes charge of Wales’ contest with South Africa. This decision has now set a precedent in how referees should interact with fans, and it has not reflected well on World Rugby
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