Spotlight on 'inconsistent' ref after Bok's tackle

REACTION: Sale Sharks number eight Daniel du Preez, along with officials, has come under scrutiny for a dangerous tackle made on Gloucester’s Chris Harris during Saturday’s Premiership clash.

Sale No.8 Daniel du Preez smashed into the back of Harris, who had already been taken to the ground in a tackle, albeit a fraction of a second before the impact.

Du Preez made direct contact with the head of Harris, who was taken from the field for an HIA immediately after the hit.

Referee Karl Dickson referred the hit to TMO Geoff Warren, who didn’t feel Du Preez had a case to answer.

While no punishment was given to Du Preez, Scottish international Harris has questioned the lack of consistency that led to that decision.

“Frustrated that I was pulled off for an HIA at a crucial point in the game and time was not taken out to review the incident. If TMO doesn’t think there was contact on the head how is it fair to take me off for an assessment? So inconsistent”

Frustrated that I was pulled off for a HIA at a crucial point in the game and time was not taken out to review the incident. If TMO doesn’t think there was contact on the head how is it fair to take me off for an assessment? So inconsistent https://t.co/UG85TCbtRd

— Chris Harris (@charris_13) January 2, 2021

Referee Nigel Owens also weighed in on the debate, insisting there is “no place for that in the game” and said that the tackle is “the type of action we need out of the game”.

No place for that in the game. Not needed, player is already tackled and on the ground. This is the type of action we need out of the game

— Nigel Owens MBE (@Nigelrefowens) January 2, 2021

Sale Sharks secured a narrow win over Gloucester during a bad-tempered Premiership match at Kingsholm Stadium, which at one point saw Billy Twelvetrees shove a Sale waterboy over an advertising hoarding after he handled a ball that had gone into touch. A sideline brawl ensued.

Source: Rugbypass