Things that are worse than kicking someone in the head

[Dave Cahill]

The IRB and the Unions have gone buck ape mental on the disciplinary front recently, so I thought we should have a thread where we can discuss some of the more, shall we say, quirky decisions


Lets start it off with Hugh Watkins, 12 week suspension for tweeting

[blockhead]

Knocking some sense into an Ulster fan - Trevor Brennan, banned for life!

[sid]

Well, based on the sanctions imposed, I'd say knockons, crooked lineouts, playing the ball while not on your feet, and side entry to rucks are all considered to be much more serious offences.

[Vamos los azules]

Sergio Parisse deserves a mention here for his 40 day ban (reduced to 20 on appeal) for talking to the referee.

A kick to the head doesn't begin to compare to the power of speech.

[paddyor]

This I think. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iPruJbbxlA4

Ma Nonu shoulder charge on Piri Weepu. It was strange. Given as just a penalty first and then changed to a yellow after Walsh saw it back on the big screen.

On reflection after I posted this I realise I'm thinking about a certain 'kick' to the head that I've recently seen. As opposed to just a random kick to the head , which I can't remember seeing. Accidental aerial collisions or raking aside

[meinster]

Lets start it off with Hugh Watkins, 12 week suspension for tweeting

Even allowing for refs needing to maintain a higher standard than non-officials (if that is even warranted), that is a crazy outcome. The disciplinary process across all grades of Union brings results in more controversial decisions than not (including the decisions that aren't made!). I really wish the IRB would step up (with respect to the shambles that is the disciplinary processes across the various unions/competitions), but given their record on concussions, that's not very likely to happen any time soon.

If we let players/coaches/refs criticise referees (and players, for that matter!), what's the harm? Does it bring the game in to disrepute? Would if it it was a free for all? Would it diminish the respect held for referees? Probably a bit, but it's hard to respect a referee that is consistently poor and seemingly above criticism.

[simonokeeffe]

Frankie Sheehan suspended for a while for using his inhaler

[Schumi]

Frankie Sheehan suspended for a while for using his inhaler

Did he get over his asthma since he finished playing does anyone know?

[olaf the fat]

Frankie Sheehan suspended for a while for using his inhaler

Did he get over his asthma since he finished playing does anyone know?

Wheezing like f%~k every time I watch a match on sky, and the poor guy can't even get one word of sense out on "against the head" - its either asthma or shitetalk, any doctors in the house?