JB1973 wrote:A captain calling the ref an "effing cheat" during the game is totally wrong and it doesn't matter if it was Hartley or Alun Wyn Jones saying it I would still say the same.
Hartley was rightly banned and there can be no excuse or defence for that sort of behaviour on a rugby field.
why would Barnes go out to cheat Northampton? unless people think he took a bung or he is a closet Leicester fan, why would he risk his career and reputation to influence the Aviva final manner in such a way?
The word cheat seems to be creeping into the game more and more when it comes to refs.
Rolland got blasted for "cheating" Wales in the world cup semi when there was clearly a foul committed
We have had lam more or less accusing hodges of it the other day and MOC accused the ref of costing you guys the Scarlets game.
We constantly hear chants of cheat cheat cheat at welsh grounds if decisions go against the home team (especially Rodney parade and parc y scarlets)
I have no issue with people calling refs inept or out of their depth, but cheat is something else and I really don't think refs go our to cheat anyone.
Forgive me, I only heard it live and was laughing at Hartleys self immolation: he was of course on a warning and knew what to expect. He was basically asking to get sent off. Of course the ref is not cheating, and never is as far as I'm concerned no matter how much I may disagree with him. And on further viewing after being at a match I find they are more often right and I wrong even from my one eyed stance. None of the above applies to touch judges, TMOs, nor citing commissioners. They sometimes are cheats engaged in cheating.
Anyway, I was under the impression that he called him a f%~king c**t. I was very sympathetic to his opinion.