Rugby Union fans have been slamming the ‘stupid’ new red card rule after Ireland’s Garry Ringrose was sent off against Wales.
With the visitors leading 10-3 after 34 minutes, the centre was penalised after making head contact with opposite number Ben Thomas as he charged in for a tackle.
Ringrose was initially shown a yellow card, but referee Christophe Ridley signalled for a ‘bunker review’.
The system, also known as the Foul Play Review Bunker which was first introduced in rugby during early 2023, meant Ridley could continue the game while other officials assessed the severity of the incident.
At half-time, it was confirmed the yellow card had been upgraded to a 20-minute red card. The new Six Nations regulation deems that the correct punishment for a foul that is not considered deliberate or intentional.
Once the time period was up, Bundee Aki was allowed to come on for Ringrose, with pundit Jonathan Davies arguing that wasn’t an adequate punishment for dangerous play. And on social media, the Welsh legend was backed up by fans seething at the outcome.
“The 20 minute red card in rugby is one of the more farcical rule changes in recent times,” wrote @Scottson42 on X. “Ireland do not by any stretch deserve to have 15 men on the field for any part of this game. It’s a joke.”
@colinldrob echoed similar sentiments, saying: “The 20 minute red card is the stupidest law in world sport.” @morganbarrell argued that the system was slanted towards the team reduced to 14 men.
“Unconvinced that the 20 minute red card is an advantage to the opposition unless they get to choose who replaces the sent off player,” he wrote. “A Wales choice of an Irish prop replacing Ringrose would make the game interesting.”
Also on live BBC commentary was iconic referee Nigel Owens, who sought to clarify the decision to viewers. “The first thing they will look at is do they have foul play,” he said. “Yes we have foul play because it’s head on head.
“What they will look at in the bunker was is there any mitigation. Could he have done anything differently? Yes it is a red card, but under the protocol it will be a 20-minute red card.”
The incident overshadowed an otherwise gripping contest at the Principality Stadium. Wales had threatened a huge upset as they led 18-10 at the Principality Stadium.
But 17 points from the boot of Ireland No.10 Sam Prendergast saw Ireland prevail 27-18 to land their third straight win of the tournament to clinch the Triple Crown.
