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'No way': So-called head stamp red card on Ireland prop splits rugby fans
An ugly incident in the Connacht’s 27-10 bonus point Pool 1 victory over Bristol Bears at the Dexcom Stadium has split rugby fans on social media.
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Bristol Bears’ second row Josh Caulfield was sent off in the 12th minute for a head stamp on Connacht’s Finlay Bealham. The incident clearly had a profound bearing on the Investec Champions Cup match and it has seen opinions sharply divided among fans and experts.
As he cleared the ruck Caulfield can be seen raising his leg, apparently to step over Ireland prop Bealham. His boot comes down early, however, landing squarely on the side of the Connacht tighthead’s face.
While there didn’t seem to be any clear stamping motion, Caulfield was sent off by referee Pierre Brousset.
Josh Caulfield recieves a red card for standing on the head of Finlay Bealham 🤕
What are your thoughts on the call?#InvestecChampionsCup pic.twitter.com/nFmkWpYLIQ
— Rugby on TNT Sports (@rugbyontnt) January 19, 2024
Some supporters argue that Caulfield’s action was unintentional, noting that he appeared not to be looking at Bealham as his foot made contact. They contend that there was no deliberate stamping motion, suggesting the incident was an unfortunate accident.
England and Bristol prop Ellis Genge wrote: “There is no way in this world Josh caulfield has intentionally stamped on his head, every player watching that knows it too.”
There is no way in this world Josh caulfield has intentionally stamped on his head, every player watching that knows it too.
— Gengey (@EllisGenge) January 19, 2024
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On the other hand, a section of rugby fans online insists that the red card was justified, emphasizing the player’s duty of care towards his opponent. This group argues on the X that the action as reckless, warranting the dismissal regardless of intent.
The game itself saw Connacht emerge victorious, thanks in part to Ireland Sevens star Andrew Smith’s efforts. Connacht’s win, fueled by their numerical advantage, keeps their Champions Cup aspirations alive, while Bristol grapples with the fallout from another loss.
Comments on RugbyPass
Marler was brilliant throughout both in the scrum and open play. His slap made virtually no contact with Ramos who milked it for a penalty when he could have been a decent sportsman and laughed it off, it was non-violent and shouldn't have been penalised. Smith failed repeatedly to kick when necessary and put up a couple of bombs into the TLS 22 that just handed back possession at key moments to the other side.
3 Go to commentsCros was outstanding and rightly awarded France TVs player of the match award. Mallia was brilliant as usual (the y is below the 6 on a UK keyboard and he deserves better than that). Level also seems to have been scored harshly as he walked the ball into touch under pressure from a Lynagh kick from well outside his own half which should never have led to a 50-22. Agree with BullShark that Dupont, while class at times, seemed to go missing for patches in the second half with props, hookers and wings frequently filling in at 9 as he couldn't get off the deck and up to the next ruck on time. A 7 by his standards at best, his kicking was also too long, too often. Kinghorn's overall contribution was worth well more than a five.
3 Go to commentsThe Harlequins team must be in minus figures. Did the reporter actually watch the game?
3 Go to commentsHow on earth did Walker escape a red card? Not dangerous? Dupont has his face in a mask earlier this season. Shocking decision. What is the point of TMOs? We had the Fassi ‘non-penalty try’ yesterday and now this.
2 Go to commentsCould have been a different result but yet again French tv able to affect the result by not showing the very clear high shot on harlequin centre if this would have been on a French player would have been on screen at least five times
3 Go to commentsAmazing. The losing team’s ratings are higher than the winning team’s. Mallia definitely didn’t deserve a y. What game were you watching? Should have got a w or an x. ADP hardly featured in that second half. At one point I wondered when he’d been subbed. Seems to me as if he gets an automatic 9 just for getting onto the team sheet.
3 Go to commentsI’m sorry. That second half was far from enthralling. It was painful to watch.
2 Go to commentsVery generous! If you’d missed the game, reading this you’d conclude that it was the Quins front row that cost them the game. Marler getting a blanket 6 for his demented contribution to the game. Puzzling.
3 Go to commentsCan’t see Toulouse beating Leinster at this rate.
7 Go to commentsADP was having a very average game until winning that penalty for Toulouse, sticking his big head in the way. “The head of God”?
7 Go to commentsHarlequins doing their best to do as little damage as possible with all the possession. Looks like they skipped catch and pass drills this week.
7 Go to commentsSeeing pictures of Jacques high-fiving it with Irish players breaks my heart. Too soon. I need more time.
1 Go to commentsquins is all over the place. The minute they get the ball they panic. Quins can still win tho just need to win all rucks otherwise just don't bother.
7 Go to commentsGreat wins for the male & female kiwi sides. Ireland not far away..
1 Go to commentsWhy is this dude getting so much coverage? Usually knobs like this get cancelled.
2 Go to commentsWow. What was that? A 3 million word meandering article about what exactly?
2 Go to commentsNice piece of writing. And yes the Sharks pulled a rabbit from the hat and were a little lucky with that penalty try that wasn’t given… however the Sharks (with their resources) should be way more consistent and should be putting teams like Claremont away for breakfast. I expect more from them and hope they kick on now.
8 Go to commentsJust what the Sharks needed to get things going in the right direction Defence on the outside really creates havoc for the whole team and needs to be addressed.
8 Go to commentsWell done guys both teams will be ready to play knockout rugby.
1 Go to commentsSurprised that Ramos isn't starting at 15. But what a squad of galacticos!
2 Go to comments