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Bath kit manager charged by RFU over comments to referee
By Ian Cameron
Bath's kit manager could be in hot water for comments he allegedly made to referee Ian Tempest during his side's loss to Wasps over the weekend.
The comments were made during a red card flashpoint during the game when Bath second row Mike Williams was sent off for an incident that left a Wasps player injured.
Williams was dismissed in the 47th minute for a dangerous challenge on Wasps centre Jimmy Gopperth as the lock sought to effect a clear-out in a mall.
Gopperth received lengthy treatment before being taken off on a stretcher but recovered afterwards although the damage was done and bottom-placed Bath are still without a win in the Gallagher Premiership after six defeats.
However this was not all that went on, with the RFU taking Bath kit manager - Steve Middleton - to task over what happened after the lock had been sent from the field.
An RFU statement reads: "Bath Rugby's Mike Williams and Steve Middleton (kit manager) will appear before an independent disciplinary panel tomorrow night (Tuesday 2 November 2021).
"Williams was shown a red card by referee Ian Tempest in the 47th minute of the match between Bath Rugby and Wasps on Saturday 30 October 201. This was for dangerous play in a ruck contrary to World Rugby Law 9.20b .
"Middleton was charged with conduct prejudicial to the interests of the union and the game, contrary to RFU Rule 5.12, after they were ordered from the field of play by the referee during the same match. This was for comments made towards the referee in the second half.
"The independent disciplinary panel will be chaired by Jeremy Summers with Mitch Read and Tony Wheat.
Bath DoR Stuar Hooper said: "I didn’t see the incident close-up as the feed in our box wasn’t working but if a player is injured following an opponent charging into a ruck, then you probably know the result.
“A red card always makes the situation very challenging and it certainly played a huge part in the game as there was a big swing in momentum."
- additional reporting PA
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Latest Comments
I think Italy were always targetting this match and intended to win. They needed to exorcise the 2023 RWC. I think they could have done with a bit more help from other 6Ns particularly from Ireland to knock more holes in NZ and their confidence.
Mentioned before the Italy Argentina match was a virus that ripped through the Italy camp early that week. In general play Italy were competitive albeit with a high error count and crucial missed tackles.
Ive said it before the era of NZ turning up unprepared for all comers and triumphing is definitively over. If a Tier1 team target NZ and NZ do not prepare accordingly they are in with a major chance of losing. It used to occur the odd time in RWCs against France, now it can occur v any Tier1. The competition has improved. NZ can still be at the top but their talents must be deployed sufficiently into dismantling teams as with their attack then allowed to exploit.
They dismantled Ireland pretty well in Dublin which went largely unnoticed. That allowed them scoreboard advantage and attacking opportunities of which one was enough.
That Italian team beat Wales and significantly Scotland last year. They used the loss to NZ in the most positive way possible. No doubt NZ prepared but I would assume it was similar to versus Argentina: 3/4 arsed at best. These test matches are rare and this was another chance to practice dismantling a determined and prepared opponent which was lost. If Italy had scored a 7 pointer at 17-6....an Italian win was on.
Go to commentsGB = England, Scotland, Wales. UK = England, Wales, Scotland, NI
Nothing to stew son.
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