quote:
Originally posted by tinkerman
he's not supposed to let go of him, he is supposed to put him back on his feet.
Possibly technically correct in the perfect World, but maybe morally wrong in the "bigger picture" ! - A 23 year old 6'3", 17 stone professional athlete, in his tactical position, tackling his opponent at speed, psyched up for the most important game of his career, and his Nations history, having to make split second decisions, in these situations, these things are bound to happen !.
Rugby Union has always been a tough sport played by tough men, and in this day and age of these "modern gladiators", things are only going to get tougher !, but I hope the IRB bureaucrats and the health and safety afficianados' don't go too far in all this, for the sake of the sport, also I hope the soccer type "theatricals" don't creep into it as in the reaction of the "hard done by" players and his team members.
I think the main gripe in this particular situation is the fact that Mr Rolland (with a history of egomania), had the red card drawn faster than Wyatt Earp, and did not stop, calm the situation, consult his other assistants for their opinions, take into consideration, sense of occasion, the players personal history, and the level of malice involved, again a lot of information to process in a relatively short time that can make or break careers and massive sporting occasions.
Yes I am biased, but I hope, for the good of the game that I have played and loved since a child, it all doesn't turn into a fiasco, refereed by automatons.