- Stephan Lewies hurled himself at Owen Farrell in Harlequins’ defeat by Saracens
- The incident was ignored by officers after being highlighted on TV commentary
- The RFU have since denied claims that the TMO ignored the alleged foul play
The RFU have denied {that a} tv match official ignored alleged foul play as a result of it had been highlighted by a commentator – however described the incident within the Saracens-Harlequins sport final Saturday as ‘regrettable’.
There was up-roar throughout and after the Premiership fixture at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as TMO Stuart Terheege was over-heard saying he wouldn’t assessment Stephen Lewies’ reckless problem on the grounded Owen Farrell because it had been raised by Austin Healey.
The ex-England again instructed on TNT Sports activities that the ugly collision ought to be reviewed and a mic picked up Terheege saying: ‘The issue I’ve bought now’s it appears like Austin has instigated it, so I do not wish to discuss it.’
The unlucky episode led to condemnation from participant welfare group Progressive Rugby, who slammed it as ‘a dereliction of a match official’s responsibility to make sure participant security’.
Nevertheless, after an investigation, the RFU have sought to defend Terheege, whereas admitting that there had been obvious procedural flaws which have to be addressed.
An unpleasant collision between captains Stephan Lewies and Owen Farrell came about late in Saracens’ conquer Harlequins
Farrell reacted angrily to Lewies throughout Saracens win over Harlequins through the match
In a press release, the union’s Skilled Sport Match Officers Group (PGMOT) claimed that the TMO had already determined that the actions of Lewies solely merited a penalty, that means the official was not influenced by Healey’s feedback.
Nevertheless, it went on: ‘A few of the dialog between the TMO and match director as regards to the replays requested and whether or not an official assessment was wanted had been broadcast stay. The dialog between the TMO and director that was broadcast stay was regrettable.
‘Terheege is dissatisfied that he allowed himself to be distracted by interactions with the printed group and didn’t talk his determination to the on-field match officers. TMOs don’t actively hear or react to the printed commentary group. Nevertheless, resulting from their areas on the matches, they generally over-hear commentary.
‘The incident was an uncommon and unlucky prevalence. The PGMOT, Premiership Rugby and TNT Sports activities are working carefully collectively to verify this doesn’t occur once more.’
In the meantime, Harlequins stay hopeful that Danny Care will agree to 1 extra season with them, after retiring from England responsibility – however the scrum-half could also be lured throughout the Channel to affix both Bayonne or Perpignan. A contract determination is believed to be imminent.
Billy Millard, Quins’ director of rugby, mentioned: ‘There are on-going discussions. He has bought selections to make. We would like him to remain. He is bought a younger household, and (spouse) Jodie has an incredible job, so there are a number of components he wants to contemplate. Hopefully by subsequent week we’ll be capable of transfer ahead.’