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'Absolutely atrocious' - Wayne Barnes hammered over questionable call
By Ian Cameron
Referee Wayne Barnes came in for heavy criticism online after yellowing carding French prop Uini Atonio in the Guinness Six Nations second round match between Ireland and France in the Aviva Stadium.
Barnes pulled up shy of handing the giant tighthead a straight red for a highly suspect hit and he's being slaughtered online for the call.
The giant La Rochelle clattered Ireland hooker Rob 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 to brandished, on TMO review Barnes argued that there wasn't a 'high degree of danger' despite Herring having to leave the field for a HIA, which he didn't return from.
In match commentary for RTE television, Donal Lenihan said he was 'flabbergasted' by the decision.
BBC rugby journalist Tom English wrote: "Joke decision by Wayne Barnes. Absolutely atrocious refereeing. Redder than red card, that."
Clinical Lead of Rugby Player Ireland, Mark Smyth, posted: "Absolutely inexcusable from Wayne Barnes not protecting players that was a red card no debate."
Ireland women's player Jenny Murphy wrote: "No one wants a red card ...but that's a red card."
Welsh rugby youtuber Andrew Forde wrote: "Clear cut red card for Atonio that. Not sure how there’s any mitigation whatsoever."
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. Two outstanding teams in an outstanding game that u can’t take ur eyes off.. phew"
Another fan noted: "Wayne Barnes doesn’t often get those wrong but that’s an awful decision for the safety of the game. How much contact before the head contact?? Not a high degree of danger?"
There were many far less measured responses from Ireland fans, who were irate with the call.
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Latest Comments
Does anyone know a way to loook at how many mins each player has played whilst on tour?
Go to commentsIt certainly needs to be cherished. Despite Nick (and you) highlighting their usefulness for teams like Australia (and obviously those in France they find form with) I (mention it general in those articles) say that I fear the game is just not setup in Aus and NZ to appreciate nor maximise their strengths. The French game should continue to be the destination of the biggest and most gifted athletes but it might improve elsewhere too.
I just have an idea it needs a whole team focus to make work. I also have an idea what the opposite applies with players in general. I feel like French backs and halves can be very small and quick, were as here everyone is made to fit in a model physique. Louis was some 10 and 20 kg smaller that his opposition and we just do not have that time of player in our game anymore. I'm dying out for a fast wing to appear on the All Blacks radar.
But I, and my thoughts on body size in particular, could be part of the same indoctrination that goes on with player physiques by the establishment in my parts (country).
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