ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Fans split over 'dubious' red card in pivotal champions cup game

BY Luke Stockwell  ·  Monday Apr 11, 2022

Debate has been sparked in the rugby world after Leicester Tigers’ centre Guy Porter was shown a red card for a “shot to the head” in his side’s 10-29 victory against French powers Clermont.

In a classic Champions Cup battle, the English Premiership leaders started the game on the back foot. But a monumental second half performance has allowed them to take a 19 point advantage back to Welford Road for the second leg.

ADVERTISEMENT

The Tigers’ physical style of play and stern defence stifled a Clermont attack which put up 41 points last time out. However, as the game edged towards the hour mark a red card to outside centre Guy Porter created fears that all Leicester’s hard work was about to be undone.

The incident occurred as Porter rushed out of the defensive line and without looking clashed into the head of Clermont’s Fritz Lee. After a TMO discussion, it was decided that Porter should be shown a red as there was direct contact to the head.

The decision has caused a good deal of debate in the rugby community, with Twitter users disagreeing on whether it was worthy of a red.

“Looked to me like he was running into space trying to close options down, getting a red card for that is harsh. Dangerous precedent if you can’t run into space!”

“People will stop watching if rubbish like this carries on. The attacking player looks more culpable watching it anyway.”

ADVERTISEMENT

Some however, did think the ref had made the right call.

“Not sure it could be more red. Almost need a new colour card for a tackle that poor.”

“Is it intentional? No. Is it really unfortunate? Yes. But according to the letter of the law is it a red? Definitely.”

This was not the only controversial incident in European rugby this weekend, with a highly debated tackle in the all Irish affair between Connacht and Leinster and one of the most blatant red cards in recent memory during Saracens’ match against Brive.

ADVERTISEMENT

Related Articles

  • 44 WEEKS AGO

    Fiji Drua player Lomani slapped with ban...

  • 54 WEEKS AGO

    The sending off that rocked the Six Nations...

  • 54 WEEKS AGO

    Wrecking ball beats 10 players to score full...



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Flying frenchman scores tremendous try for Toulon

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Young England hopeful continues to impress with double against Stade Français

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Full throttle Premiership final rematch ends in heartache

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Santiago Carreras scores a blinder in front of thrilled Kingsholm crowd

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Fans in awe as Kildunne finishes off STUNNING team try

View All

Big Hits & Dirty Play

  • 11 WEEKS AGO

    Wallabies wunderkind Sua'ali' and Scotland captain Tuipulotu clash

  • 13 WEEKS AGO

    Ireland 'steal' Argentina's opening try as debate rages

  • 14 WEEKS AGO

    WATCH: The biggest hit from week one of the Autumn Nations Series

  • 17 WEEKS AGO

    'Cheap shot' from Leicester Tigers vs Northampton Saints causing a stir online

  • 17 WEEKS AGO

    Wild moment leads to all in brawl during Welsh derby between Cardiff and Scarlets

View All

See It To Believe It

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    SHOCK results in the PWR keeps top four race thrilling

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Santiago Carreras scores a blinder in front of thrilled Kingsholm crowd

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Fans in awe as Kildunne finishes off STUNNING team try

  • 9 WEEKS AGO

    Supporters can't believe Saracens Sharp's UNBELIEVABLE finish

  • 13 WEEKS AGO

    Fans in awe as Joyce finishes ‘impossible’ solo try

View All

Funnies

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Nightmare blunder from Exeter winger as try goes wanting

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    'A dog with a mallet up its arse could’ve written Johnny’s book' Donnacha O'Callaghan

  • 9 WEEKS AGO

    ‘The knee slide was too much’ - Ben Earl reflects on THAT viral moment

  • 9 WEEKS AGO

    U.S. Army Special Operations Sergeant Major makes big claim about rugby

  • 13 WEEKS AGO

    “Put that in the book” - Rieko Ioane’s explosive post reignites feud with Sexton

View All

Amateur

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Nightmare blunder from Exeter winger as try goes wanting

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Santiago Carreras scores a blinder in front of thrilled Kingsholm crowd

  • 109 WEEKS AGO

    You Won’t See Many Better Than This Silky-Smooth Try From Llandovery RFC

  • 109 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes As Caldy RFC Hand Ealing First Championship Defeat Of The Season

  • 132 WEEKS AGO

    Dubious Score Decides Result Of Rugby's Biggest Schools Fixture

View All

Player Features

  • 3 DAYS AGO

    The Capuozzo try that jump-started Italy's victory

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    RugbyDump's top five backrows in 2024

  • 9 WEEKS AGO

    ‘The knee slide was too much’ - Ben Earl reflects on THAT viral moment

  • 9 WEEKS AGO

    Marcus Smith makes big call on his future

  • 12 WEEKS AGO

    'Eligible for England' - Fans react to South African star's contract announcement

View All