Referee Pascal Gaüzère has received a battering on social media after his howler of a performance during Saturday’s Six Nations clash between Wales and England.
The Frenchman was at the centre of several decisions which had a significant impact on the game that Wales eventually won 40-24 to secure the Triple Crown at the Principality Stadium.
The first major incident occurred in the 15th minute when after awarding a penalty to Wales, Gaüzère called “time on” when England were in a huddle underneath the goalposts.
Welsh fly half Dan Biggar took advantage of the situation by executing a cross field kick to Josh Adams on the wing to score the opening try of the match.
Despite England having water carriers on the pitch and barely being given any warning by the referee, Gaüzère then waved away the protests of Owen Farrell.
Next up Gaüzère and his team of officials missed a blatant knock-on from Wales winger Louis Rees-Zammit in the build up to another try for the hosts through Liam Williams.
The two incidents sparked outrage from pundits and fans while Welsh commentators Eddie Butler and Jonathan Davies made jokes throughout the match about knock-ons no longer counting and that Gaüzère could be considered for man of the match.
REACTION:
The ref in the Welsh dressing room after the game #WalesvEngland 🏴 pic.twitter.com/V4kXUooZdR
— LB (@LukeRhos) February 27, 2021
Player of the Match. He’s been absolutely magnificent for Wales today. Created two tries out of nothing. They should pick him every week. #WalesvEngland #SixNations #PascalGauzere pic.twitter.com/qLpz1dHRxe
— Simon Miller (@simonfgmiller) February 27, 2021
Farrell is right. Same thing happened in the summer. Can’t restart play when water carriers are on the pitch. #WALENG
— ugo monye (@ugomonye) February 27, 2021
French refereeing at its finest #rugby #sixnations #WalesvsEngland pic.twitter.com/NwcTAvlrWa
— Ollie Saunders (@fpsOllie) February 27, 2021
Wow tough love for @EnglandRugby at the minute, the call is right by the TMO no knock on for me as it goes back #WALvENG
— Andy Goode (@AndyGoode10) February 27, 2021
Wow I don’t know what’s more amazing the fact that try was given or the speed at which Wiki updates #EnglandRugby #WalesvEngland #thevalleys #WelshPassion pic.twitter.com/MmmC9XNsou
— Joseph Spencer (@MYPharmaJoe) February 27, 2021
Absolutely fuming at the referee behaviour in the England vs Wales game. #shocking
— Phoebe Jackson (@PhoebeJ58965191) February 27, 2021
Is this a joke or not? #WALvENG
— Jim (@jimhamilton4) February 27, 2021
Just so we’re all aware….
Even if we cancel out the first TWO Wales tries & conversions…
Wales still win 26-24
Just sayin
ADVERTISEMENT🏴🏴🏉#WALvENG
— Craig Gallivan (@CraigGallivan) February 27, 2021
French refs hey……
— Andy Goode (@AndyGoode10) February 27, 2021
Sign In