We asked the former Ulster man what he thought about Barnes getting the Ireland v Wales gig and here’s what he told us.
When the news broke yesterday that Wayne Barnes would be the man in the middle for Ireland’s Six Nations clash with Wales, the bulk of the reaction is best described as ‘unfavourable’.
With Ireland winning just four out of the 12 games that Barnes has officiated, the stats back up the fears and then there is 2012.
In a game against, you guessed it, Wales Barnes awarded a hugely controversial late penalty against Stephen Ferris that presented Leigh Halfpenny with a game-winning shot at goal, which the full back duly took.
The spear tackle call by Barnes was the cause of much debate and an independent disciplinary panel after the game ruled Ferris had no case to answer, though the IRB and Six Nations backed Barnes’ call to give the player a yellow card.
So when Barnes was appointed we asked Ferris what he thought of the news and he replied today.
@SportsJOEdotie No doubt he will make the game about him, and not about the two world class teams he is refereeing.
— Stephen Ferris (@StephenFerris6) March 6, 2015
We think that is pretty clear…
