Northern Edition
Select Edition
Northern Northern
Southern Southern
Global Global
New Zealand New Zealand
France France

'Did you lie to me?': Referee Aimee Barrett-Theron divides opinion over stern telling off

(Source/BBC Sport)

Referee Aimee Barrett-Theron has divided opinion over her treatment of the captains in the U20 Six Nations match between England Wales.

ADVERTISEMENT

Following a scuffle between both sides Barrett-Theron dragged both captains for a stern word where she expressed her disappointment over being “lied to”.

The unique style of communication sparked a fiery debate over whether it was condescending and patronising way to get the message across.

“Boys, I’m not mad, I’m just really disappointed,” she said to the captains.

“Because you both gave me buy in before the game in the changing room, that you would be able to control your players.

“So, did you lie to me or is it something you can fix from now?”

Both captains promptly agreed to fix the behaviour to which she replied “thank you, please speak to both of your teams.”

Some described it as “mothering” the players whilst others applauded Barrett-Theron for bringing her authority with her own style.

Many highlighted the possible double standard, pointing to Nigel Owens as an example of a referee exerting their authority with personality which was accepted with praise.

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

South Africa v Argentina | World Rugby U20 Championship | Extended Highlights

France v New Zealand | World Rugby U20 Championship | Extended Highlights

England v Wales | World Rugby U20 Championship | Extended Highlights

Tattoos & Rugby: Why are tattoos so popular with sportspeople? | Amber Schonert | Rugby Rising Locker Room Season 2

Lions Share | Episode 3

Zimbabwe vs Kenya | Rugby Africa Cup Semi Final | Full Match Replay

USA vs Spain | Men's International | Full Match Replay

Portugal vs Ireland | Men's International | Full Match Replay

Trending on RugbyPass

Comments

1 Comment
a
aw_wild 517 days ago

6M views, 185k likes and 1.2k comments all positive. I’m not sure it’s really divided opinion. I would say it’s overwhelmingly positive.

Join free and tell us what you really think!

Sign up for free
ADVERTISEMENT

Latest Features

Comments on RugbyPass

U
Upnorth-taniwha 39 minutes ago
New Zealanders may not understand, but in France Test rugby is the 'B movie'

So with all that's been said, France sending a b team, top 14 so strong, we support ab’s, they support top 14 and WC and six nations. It is what it is, but do you think that the results of this tour have matched the outcry? Like the first test against a so called b side? Yes we won, just. The second test was better, but against a lesser team apparently. And the third test we will experiment, to a degree. But we are still not thrashing them. One would expect if the teams they are sending are so bad, then why aren't we holding them scoreless and why aren't we putting 50-60 points on them every week? We put all our emphasis on international rugby, yet the show isn't what one would think it would be considering all the facts. I don't know, but I was really expecting the ABS to come out in the first test and show France how pissed off they were that they had sent a mediocre test team. Send them home thrashed and with their Tails between there legs, but I don't know. I think they would go home confident that even if they put the b side in, they can compete against a power house AB team. Not good for us, more so for them. As we all know, the mental side of international rugby is huge. Players confidence can set there path for their careers. So I think it was a perfect chance to absolutely dent the confidence of these up and comers, so when they faced us again in the future, they wouldnt be so keen! And if the ABs had really smashed this team and any other team that done the same, then it would be a message to all international sides. That if you do so, you do so at your own risk and at the expense of the growth of your players going forwards. I get what everyone is saying in regards to all the other stuff. Yes we have a lot to work on. But firstly we need to win, and win big. Otherwise these complaints of b sides, look rather silly. Yes we are 2 nil up. The second test against a much weeker side was better-ish. But C'mon, if they want to send b sides, we should treat them like that, and really be smashing them. Confidence in any player, can be changed for the entirety of their careers. Maybe if we did this, they would realise the effects and send stronger teams. But I don't think that so far this series, any player would feel like they wouldn't want another go at the ABs and can face up to them. Just a thought

80 Go to comments
TRENDING
TRENDING Feyi-Waboso returns as England change 12 for USA with 6 debutants Feyi-Waboso returns as England change 12 for USA with 6 debutants