Rugby fans blast "mind boggling" decision as South Africa star escapes red card

10 September 2023 , 17:43

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Jesse Kriel avoided an early red card against Scotland (Image: Getty Images)

Rugby fans felt South Africa's Jesse Kriel was lucky to escape a red card following head-to-head contact in his country's World Cup opener against Scotland.

Just two minutes were on the clock at Stade Velodrome when contact was made between Kriel and Scotland's number eight Jack Dempsey. Comparisons were made with a similar incident involving England's Tom Curry, who saw a yellow card upgraded to red after an incident in the game against Argentina on Saturday evening.

A number of those following the game on social media were quick to draw the comparison. They weren't the only ones to believe a red would have been the right call, though, with ITV's studio pundits agreeing,

“Absolutely, the confusion is the TMO says ‘we’re always looking’, yet two minutes into the game and there’s an incident which [should be] a red card," John Barclay said. "It’s head on head, that’s a red card, the way the game is refereed now, whether you like it or not, that is a red card."

"Very similar [to the Curry incident], the fact that’s not even been seen or reviewed is inexcusable,” Barclay added. While Curry was initially shown a yellow, the decision to upgrade it to red was taken via the Foul Play review bunker.‌

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“If there's going to be consistency in the World Cup, it has to apply to everyone," Sir Ian McGeechan added. "Tom Curry got the red card yesterday, that should be a red card today.”

Barclay's assessment of the situation was praised on X (formerly known as Twitter). "Barclay is a really good pundit. No guff, clear explanation of the rules, and why it's red at the moment. No 'accidental', 'rugby incident' or 'malice' terms which aren't in the laws of the game," one fan wrote.

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Pundits and fans believed a red card should have been shown

The lack of consistency was questioned, but not everyone felt the answer was two reds. "I’d rather both Curry’s and Kriel’s were yellows. Let’s compromise!" was one verdict.

Despite the decision, Scotland were able to stay very much in the game during the opening 40 minutes. The half-time score was 6-3 to South Africa, but two tries early in the second half helped them open up a lead.

Curry, meanwhile, will now face a disciplinary committee following the clash with Juan Cruz Mallia which ended up with his dismissal. Despite being a man down for the bulk of the game, England still ran out 27-10 winners.

"Tom Curry will appear before an independent judicial committee in Paris having received a red card for an offence contrary to Law 9.13 (dangerous tackle)," a statement from World Rugby read. "At the player's request, the hearing will take place on Tuesday evening, 12 September."

Tom Victor