VIDEO: Officials miss potential red card offence in World Cup opener
WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: Japan could have been down to 14 men during their World Cup opener against Russia on Friday.
Jamie Joseph’s side won the match 30-10, but their display on the field was far from impressive.
READ: Japan tame Russia is World Cup opener
The Brave Blossoms looked to have caught stage fright with Russia leading for most of the first half and things could have gotten worse for the host nation if the officials spotted a potential red card incident.
Japan lock James Moore escaped punishment for what looked like a potentially dangerous hit with a shoulder on a Russian player.
Watch the video below:
Namibia legend Jacques Burger spotted it.
Looks like the officials missed a potential red card. Imagine what that would have meant in this match. #JAPvRUS pic.twitter.com/cIw7Bass1G
— Jacques Burger (@Nabasboer) September 20, 2019
Match officials for the game:
Referee: Nigel Owens (Wales)
Assistant referees: Nic Berry (Australia), Matthew Carley (England)
TMO: Ben Skeen (New Zealand)
