Bristol boss 'shocked' at lack of citing over Radradra incident
Pat Lam says he is “shocked” that no disciplinary action was taken following a swinging-arm challenge on Bristol star Semi Radradra. Fijian centre Radradra required treatment after the second-half incident in Friday’s Gallagher Premiership clash against Worcester at Sixways.
Worcester full-back Melani Nanai, who was making his comeback appearance following a three-match ban, was penalised for a high tackle on Radradra.
But he did not receive any further on-pitch sanction, and also avoided being reported by match citing officer Tony Diprose.
Former England forward Diprose, though, cited Bristol centre Siale Piutau for punching or striking following an 80th-minute flashpoint that also saw Worcester lock Andrew Kitchener sent off.
Piutau received a three-match ban when he appeared before an online disciplinary panel on Monday, the Rugby Football Union announced.
He will miss Bristol’s next two Premiership matches against Northampton and Wasps, plus a European Challenge Cup quarter-final appointment with the Dragons.
Bristol rugby director Lam said: “I was extremely surprised it (Radradra incident) wasn’t dealt with at the time and extremely surprised that Tony Diprose, the citing commissioner, deemed it not to be a citing offence.
“We were shocked at that because clearly I see that as a red card. The way the process is is that the citing commissioner has the final say.
“If he feels that Siale Piutau defending himself as two guys come in at him is a red card and self-defence, and yet feels that the Semi Radradra one with a swinging arm with full contact to the face is not, then the one thing about the process is that we can’t do anything about it.
“Tony Diprose has the only say on it. I didn’t speak to him about it. We have to move on and let it go.
“Unfortunately, Siale has to go through the judiciary the night before a game (Bristol play Northampton on Tuesday), and the Semi Radradra one we had to let slide because we can’t do anything about it.
“If that was the World Cup, everyone would have seen it. We just have to live with it and we can’t do anything about it.”
Bristol return to Ashton Gate to face Saints, with Lam underlining his hope that spectators might soon be allowed back.
Harlequins’ Premiership game against Bath on Saturday was watched by 2,700 fans in English rugby’s first crowd test event following a five-month interruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
It was widely viewed as a success, raising hopes that other fixtures this season could be chosen.
Lam added: “I would love to have them (spectators) at the Dragons game in the European Challenge Cup quarter-final (on September 18).
“It is a big day for the club and for our community, so that would be awesome.
“And then hopefully follow it up with a (Challenge Cup) semi-final, and then we have got Leicester in the Premiership. The sooner the better.”
Comments on RugbyPass
Why do people keep on picking Ardie at 7 when he's a ball in hand 8? A modern 7 is the lead tackler and ruck clearer which isn't his strength.
14 Go to commentsSly dig there at Ireland’s propensity to back a non-Irish coach. Must really want it. I’m not sure I like ROG very much. Comes off as unpleasant. But he’d gain my respect if he took a number 7 ranked team and turned them into WC winners. Not even back-to-back. Argentina? Scotland? Or how about Wales? France would be too easy, no?
1 Go to commentsA bit of sensationalism, but surprised by the comments about SBW. I’ve always thought of him as a pretty authentic person. There is nothing worse than working with a colleague you’ve seen straight through.
9 Go to comments100% agree with your comment about Touch. I’ve been playing it competitively since Covid. It’s on a Wednesday night after work. It means the weekend is free for time with my family.
1 Go to commentsRodda back is massively important for the Wallabies. Kaitu at hooker important too coz he was very good a few years ago.
1 Go to commentsThe pink cabous might be eligible this year and the Boks don’t need him
7 Go to commentsNasser and kaitu are options for hooker. Especially Nasser. You forgot Rodda who touch wood will be fit at test time and if fit he’s number one. Great partner for the great Skelton and Oz best lineout caller. Third best lock is LSL whom I’d be inclined to sub on for Skelton around 60 minutes. Probably start valetini at 8 because I like a big body back there. Cale should play 6 at the brumbies. For Wallabies definitely cale in the squad but as an apprentice. Dunno who starts at 6 seru wright Swinton hanigan with Will Harris and Harry Wilson not far away. Seru and Swinton my front runners but Swinton is going. Still if we don’t cap seru then Fiji must coz they need his lineout skills and easily compensate for his lack of weight
7 Go to commentsYeah but who was it?
9 Go to commentsThink you might have written this just before the Brumbies got thrashed last weekend
7 Go to commentsI really do believe that Billy Proctor should be selected at least in the larger squad but also it would be my choice at 13, much more a center than Ioane who can still play at wing. Roigard if fit should play, otherwise it should be Perenara or Christie. Also, Iose could deserve a spot at blindside. Of course, being a Canes supporter I’m biased but I really believe that at least Billy P is deserving a chance and being Holland one of the Selectors, I’m having a little hope he could grab it.
14 Go to commentsI would not play Swinton I’d pick Wright or Hanigan. The rest are decent starters, but can’t agree on any subs except Tupou. My take on the subs: Gibbon, Ueslese, Tupou, LSL, Wilson, White, Will Harrison, and Petaia.
7 Go to commentsSBW the biggest moron to pull on a black jersey a park footy player at best
9 Go to commentsSBW is fast becoming a laughing stock, his misplaced comments & lack of insight Is actually pretty sad.
9 Go to commentsJust well you guys are couch 🛋 potatoes selector's, picking a team of greenhorns to play England! “What are you people smoking?” The halfbacks will be Christie, Fakatava, Perenara Props; Newell, Bower, Lomax, Tunga'fasi, Hookers; Asosa Amua when fit, Taylor, Samisoni,
14 Go to commentsQuite frankly, all this is a bit pathetic. The first time Wales get the Wooden Spoon in 21 years and everyone is on the bandwagon for a ‘play-off’ game. Wales have no obligation to Georgia and no obligation to the rest of the Six Nations to play such a game. If they want Georgia in so badly then they need to include South Africa into a Northern Hemisphere competition with 2 leagues of 4 teams with the top 2 competing for the Championship. Sadly, this will end Triple Crowns and Grand Slams forever. Is this really what you want?
4 Go to commentsI think Finau to start Blackadder to come on. Poss Prokter instead of Ioane, haven't seen much from Reiko so far this year.
14 Go to commentsJoe will have had a good chat with Dave Rennie, a smart move to begin with while it’s doubtful Fast Eddie will be consulted? Plenty of Aus players hitting top form so they should go OK.
7 Go to commentsMmm. Not sure I like this article or see it as necessary.
9 Go to commentsBlackadder but no Finau! 😀 It’s Razor so you are probably right, plus Taylor at 2…
14 Go to commentsThe strongest possible AB side would actually include Aaron Smith, Bodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Shannon Frizzel.. don’t get me started on the rest of the injury hit brigade that got flung on the heap so left. Many a whole not getting filled as of yet.
14 Go to comments