Progressive Rugby has criticized Premiership Rugby match officials for ignoring “dangerous play” against Owen Farrell during the Saracens v Harlequins match.
Saracens asserted their dominance over their London rivals at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday, but the match was marred by a controversial incident.
Saracens captain Farrell, who has made 92 appearances, celebrated his 250th appearance for the club in style as Sarries secured an impressive 52-7 victory over the Famous Quarters.
Saracens vs Harlequins TMO controversy
However, a controversial incident involving broadcaster TNT Sports and a TV match official dominated the headlines. The Harlequins forward escaped punishment for what was described as “reckless play”.
Commentator Austin Healy spotted the incident the moment Saracens flanker Juan Martin Gonzalez crossed the tryline.
As Gonzalez scored, Farrell was brought down by a Harlequins player who collided with the fly-half at the ruck, but appeared to have no arm.
His actions caused a scuffle between two sets of players, and Healy discovered what had happened.
“It's a yellow card all day. Off the ball, the ball's gone, he stepped in with his shoulder in a no-arm tackle,” Healy said.
'Why they are England's champion club' – Owen Farrell slams Saracens team-mates' 'stupid' mistakes during big Premiership win
Again, the TMO is shouting, “Oh, don't show me.” Is this actually allowed?
some interesting questions @premrugby & @rugbyontnt
per one @stephenjones9
Ask other rugby experts pic.twitter.com/7OGKicN1R8— Tom Finn Kelcey (@TFinnKelcey) March 23, 2024
However, the incident was ignored and TMO's comments were heard on air.
“The problem we have now is, of course, that Healy appears to have instigated it. The problem I have now is that it appears that Austin instigated it.”The TMO said the incident was being investigated. He said no.
As television rebroadcast the incident, the official again added, “Oh, please don't show it,” above his head.
Clear foul play against Owen Farrell was deliberately ignored and 'ego got in the way of TMO'
Progressive rugby reaction
Following Saturday's incident, non-profit player welfare lobby group Progressive Rugby issued a statement condemning the actions of those involved.
Professor John Fairclough, from the player welfare group, said: “Whatever the reason, it is clear that the decision was taken to ignore foul play, reckless and dangerous play out of concern for what had been raised by the pundits.” Ta.
“This is extremely worrying and a clear failure of the match officials' duty to ensure the safety of the players. An explanation should be sought immediately.”
It is understood that while the TMO will be able to hear the commentators during matches, the feed will be cut off when reviewing incidents to avoid cases where commentary influences decisions.
At the time of writing, TNT Sports and Premiership Rugby have yet to comment on the incident.
read more: Saracens' 'incredible' Owen Farrell heaps praise after Harlequins' demolition
