'Bottled that': Wayne Barnes leniency over high tackle sparks drama in Premiership final
Leicester Tigers’ last-gasp 15-12 victory over Saracens in the Gallagher Premiership final was a thrilling encounter but a yellow card decision early in the match caused controversy.
The game was thrown into controversy when Saracens scrum-half Aled Davies was guilty of a direct shoulder to the head of Tigers hooker Julian Montoya in a high tackle in the 25th minute.
With Saracens leading 3-0 at the time, the decision was going to change the course of the final in Leicester’s favour if a red card issued.
Referee Wayne Barnes, officiating his tenth Premiership final, was reluctant to go with a red and explained that there was not “enough strength” in the tackle despite what looked to be a forceful collision.
Former England international Andy Goode floated a theory that the officials were trying not to heavily influence the game by issuing a red card.
Shoulder to the head and Montoya’s head jolts backwards. Not sure how that’s not a red card but I think because it’s a final they are trying not to give one
— Andy Goode (@AndyGoode10) June 18, 2022
Aled Davies is very lucky to still be on the field, that was a clear red card and Wayne Barnes bottled it, shoulder straight to the face doesn’t get any clearer. The inconsistency from the officials is absolutely shocking, ruining the game. #LEIvSAR
— Llion Rhys (@LlionRhys2) June 18, 2022
Wayne Barnes has bottled that, absolutely crazy how he hasn’t given a red there
— Huw (@huwjmorris_) June 18, 2022
Wayne Barnes in bottling the big decision shocker – yet again. Red card all day long. He has so much previous of this kinda shit in finals and big games. Yeah, maybe don’t ruin a final, but that just has to be a red card. #LEISAR #LEIvSAR
— Conor Whelan (@Conorwhelanire) June 18, 2022
Wayne Barnes continuing with the curious lack of red cards during the knockout stages of the Prem… #LEIvSAR
— Naxis (@Naxis911) June 18, 2022
If Leicester Tigers loose this, Wayne Barnes / TMO needs seriously looking at #LEIvSAR pic.twitter.com/QSDvp6ctJa
— Emma1215 (@Emma12150) June 18, 2022
Don’t think I’m breaking the internet here, but this is 100 per cent a red card. Saracens and Aled Davies incredibly lucky to get away with yellow. Leicester lead 12-6 at half time in the Premiership final. https://t.co/kODiWJ48jB
— Alex Bywater (@_AlexBywater) June 18, 2022
The Tigers were pushed extremely close by the five-time Premiership winners, who were able to draw up proceedings at 12-all to set up a grand stand finish. However, if the red card had been issued it may have been a different story.
With the game on a knife edge, Barnes then inadvertently found himself between Vunipola and the tryline, only to further upset fans.
Wayne Barnes obstructs Vinupola. Apologises with: “I guess I’m the only person who can stop you.” #LEIvSAR #Wayne
— Kevin OCeallaigh (@koceallaigh) June 18, 2022
The moment that Wayne Barnes lost the match for @Saracens!! @premrugby @btsportrugby #bbcrugby #LEIvSAR #PremiershipFinal #premrugby pic.twitter.com/BBRMtzdws5
— Jon Salinger (@jonsalinger1973) June 18, 2022
Some *EXCELLENT* defence for @LeicesterTigers there by Wayne Barnes!
I’m no @Saracens fan, but! … 😳#LEIvSAR
ADVERTISEMENT— Michael Brown 🌍🇺🇦 (@bikelawman) June 18, 2022
FANTASTIC DEFENSIVE WORK FROM BARNES!!! 👏🏼👏🏼 #LEIvSAR #GallagherPremFinal
— Tom Wade (@tomjwade) June 18, 2022
Barnes explained that with both the Davies’ incident and Matt Scott’s yellow at the end of the game, that both tackles started at a yellow because the ball carrier, and not the tackler were dominant.
Barnes, who has refereed a wealth of games at national and international level, broke the all-time Premiership Rugby appearance record for a referee in 2017, while earlier this year he officiated his 250th Gallagher Premiership Rugby match.
Comments on RugbyPass
Thank goodness he wasn't born in Scotland, he'd have been a great candidate for the Scottish Barbarians. I wouldn't put it past them to push for a “where the player was conceived” rule 😂
1 Go to commentsOwen Farrell is one of the most polarising figures in the game. His entire attitude on the field (and sometimes off of it) smacks of arrogance and he is about as brash as Donald Trump in a political debate. Yet behind that facade is a calculating, determined and powerful leader who drives any team forward with an Iron will. You are right in that he gets better in the heat of battle and in the face of overwhelming odds. He develops a narrow focus and he delivers his best in a way that few others can. He is one of Englands great performers who sacrificed alot for the team and who often bears the weight of responsibility of leadership alone on the field and in front of the media. Despite what many think of him he is a fantastic game manager with a good rugby brain. He will be sorely missed from the international stage
15 Go to commentsAlways proud of the effort, Sam. The All blacks never stop fighting, never just roll over. He didn’t get anywhere near the respect he earned, but that’s due to results, not commitment to the cause. Have fun dominating in Japan!
1 Go to commentsNot sure why Papali’i thinks Scott Robertson needs his help to select the next All Black Captain. In my view, Papali’i would be well advised to have a good hard look at his own game, and to reflect on how fortunate he is to even wear the black jersey. Rather than shouting at his team mates at every set piece, standing in the mid-field pointing and holding his arms out and flopping to the ground at the back of every second or third ruck, may I suggest he would be far better employed actually doing something on the field. Seriously, watch him for 10 minutes during a game - not much happens. When was the last time he was first to a breakdown, or actually made a turnover? If Robertson is half the Coach I think he is, Papali’i will not be anywhere near the AB’s this season.
11 Go to commentsHiding coming up for Saders.
1 Go to commentsDagg really does go down some rabbit holes doesnt he? In the name I guess.
6 Go to commentsHey Brett I’m one who is looking forward to seeing JS back on the rugby field. I was under the impression that a large portion of his contract was via a third party so RA isn’t having to foot the bill My big concern is around the Tahs and what is happening there, why are so many players bailing. Is it the program, the coaches or the culture. Joe Schmidt recently said he had been at the Tahs all week and DC is a good coach. Something doesn’t gel , 10 front row forwards in a season that’s not bad luck
13 Go to commentsIncorrect title. He hasn’t said Furlong is one of the best scrummagers. He said he is one of the best props.
1 Go to comments“_It seems like a crazy thing that he was counting them_“ Are you stupid, mate? Anyone with more than half a brain understands that he meant “a lot” or something similar. Do you really think he was counting? “*Goode*: Told you, Jim!“ No, you banana. You said, explicitly, that the Irish players didn’t say what EE said they did. Even though you weren’t there. Even though you didn’t hear a word they said. M0r0n.
110 Go to commentsI am sure that Scott Robertson did do the courtesy of telling Sam Cane that he was not in his All Black plans and NZR would support him if he wished to sign a lucrative pension playing out his career in the cream puff rugby that is Japan’s Top League. I fail to see this as a negative as Israel Dagg is trying to spin it. Razor allowed Cane to leave with dignity rather than being unceremoniously dumped as was Buck Shelford.
6 Go to commentsHey rugbypass can I also get involved with writing rugby articles?
1 Go to commentsHey rugbypass can I also get involved with writing rugby articles?
1 Go to commentsAT THE END OF THE DAY THE TEAM WITH 4 WORLD CUPS WILL ALWAYS GET TO TELL THE OTHER NATION TO SUCK MY BALLS. THIS IS A SCIENTIFIC AND IRREFUTABLE FACT.
110 Go to commentsWish him and his family the best in his retirement from International rugby and into the future.
1 Go to commentsSelf proclaimed expert/pundit Andy Goode and his very personal views on referees…Why recalling them in such an article as if he were an undisputed authority on the subject ? Only because fellow writer ?
1 Go to commentsLate growth spurts are a common problem over here. I’m well over 30, and I just started having a growth spurt too. Could be a world class prop soon.
1 Go to commentsas much as the challenge cup is a bit of a nothing competition, winning it would still mean something. last year it was won by toulon, who are now something like 4th in the top 14? The year before it was won by Lyon a season before they finished 3rd in the league. The year before that the final was contested by Montpellier and Leicester - 12 months before they both became domestic champions. That should give Gloucester fans some hope.
1 Go to commentsgreat article - although I can’t help wonder whether the more relevant debate over coming years will be between Ford and Fin Smith!
15 Go to commentsMaking Scott Barrett captain might be a masterstroke….will calm him down & stop brain fades and also take pressure off Ardie, so he can just play his natural monster game. Lets see how that all pans out🧐
8 Go to commentsI’m surprised Scotland are planning to rest key players this summer - I don’t think any other tier 1 nation will be doing the same?
3 Go to comments