'Inexcusable': Six Nations fans hit out at referee Barnes
SOCIAL REACTION: Top international referee Wayne Barnes stirred up a storm online following some controversial calls during the Six Nations fixture between Ireland and France in Dublin on Saturday.
The English referee, who revealed he almost quit rugby after officiating the November Test match between France and South Africa last year, was again the focal point of a lot of online criticism on Saturday.
Barnes was given the responsibility to officiate the gigantic clash between the number one team Ireland and second-ranked France and the referee made some questionable calls against both sides.
Many Ireland fans took to Twitter to express their discontent with the referee’s call to hand French prop Uini Atonio a yellow card instead of a red for a dangerous tackle on Ireland hooker Rob Herring.
The giant prop of La Rochelle clattered Ireland hooker Herring was full body contact that clearly rocked the Ulsterman’s head backwards 30 minutes into a pulsating contest.
Despite most expecting a clear red, on TMO review Barnes argued that there wasn’t a ‘high degree of danger’ despite Herring having to leave the field for an HIA, which he didn’t return from.
Joke decision by Wayne Barnes. Absolutely atrocious refereeing. Redder than red card, that
— Tom English (@TEnglishSport) February 11, 2023
Clinical Lead of Rugby Player Ireland, Mark Smyth, posted: “Absolutely inexcusable from Wayne Barnes not protecting players that was a red card no debate.”
Absolutely inexcusable from Wayne Barnes not protecting players that was a red card no debate #IREvFRA pic.twitter.com/QQu55haVYE
— Mark Smyth (@psychpolis) February 11, 2023
No one wants a red card …but that’s a red card.#IREvFRA
— Jenny Murphy (@jennymurphy045) February 11, 2023
Clear cut red card for Atonio that. Not sure how there’s any mitigation whatsoever #IREvFRA
— Andrew Forde (@andrewfrugby) February 11, 2023
France fans also have a right to feel aggrieved by the ref, who awarded James Lowe a very controversial try.
Right after Damian Penaud’s try for France, Ireland went on the attack and Lowe managed to burst his way to the line and made an acrobatic leap over the whitewash.
However, the wing was well covered by defender Penaud, who seemed to have tackled Lowe into touch.
Barnes did converse with the TMO to check the grounding but the TMO deemed the evidence was inconclusive as video replays were unable to determine if Lowe had managed to get the ball neatly over the line.
This resulted in Barnes sticking with his onfield decision and awarding the try.
However while a lot of fans praised Lowe’s great finish, there were a couple of users who feels that the try should have been disallowed.
Some also questioned why other angles were not utilized during the review of the incident.
Renowned Irish commentator Ryle Nugent wrote: “First half: brilliant, breathless, physically brutal. Lowe try shouldn’t have been awarded. Atonio yellow card should have been red.
First half: brilliant, breathless, physically brutal. Lowe try shouldn’t have been awarded. Atonio yellow card should have been red. Two outstanding teams in an outstanding game that u can’t take ur eyes off.. phew 😥 #IREvFRA
— Ryle Nugent (@ryle_nugent) February 11, 2023
We often berate French TV producers for not showing the correct replays/angles so I’m amazed the TMO didn’t see or show Wayne Barnes the footage of James Lowe’s foot clearly in touch for his try
— Andy Goode (@AndyGoode10) February 11, 2023
Hmm. Why wasn’t this angle offered up by the host broadcaster for the TMO 🤔 #Irevfra pic.twitter.com/THIH2nEM9U
— Martin Cross (@MartinXRugby) February 11, 2023
How can we have just seen an angle on Lowe’s try, on half time review, that shows his right foot brushing the grass ?!!! #SixNations
— Will Carling (@willcarling) February 11, 2023
It’s always good to have a bit of luck, James Lowe definitely in touch before grounding the ball. #rugby pic.twitter.com/OWY1sXl2E6
— Joe Naughton (@JoeNaConnacht) February 11, 2023
*Compiled by Leezil Hendricks
