Controversial call.
Yoann Maestri won’t be cited for his late hit on Johnny Sexton during Ireland’s narrow loss to France last weekend.
The French second row landed a late elbow on Sexton in the first-half of the Six Nations game in Paris.
However, his challenge has been deemed “just short of a red card” by the citing commissioner, which begs the question what exactly warrants a red card?
Maestri will not face a disciplinary committee or serve a ban for his challenge.
He has though been warned about his future behaviour on the field.
A Citing Commissioner Warning has been issued to the French second row, Yoann Maestri, following an incident in the 13th minute of the match between France and Ireland on Saturday, 13 February 2016 in the RBS Six Nations Championship. The independent citing commissioner reported that Mr Maestri had used his shoulder in making contact with the Ireland outside-half, Johnny Sexton, which resulted in Mr Sexton being knocked off his feet. The citing commissioner concluded that Mr Maestri had infringed the World Rugby’s laws of the game and that his actions fell ‘just short of’ warranting a red card. Mr Maestri has been informed of the Citing Commissioner Warning.
If Maestri receives three warnings throughout the Championship he will have a “totting up” case to answer.But for now he is free to return to action.
Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt explained on Monday that Sexton has “whiplash type” injuries after the game in Paris but should be fit for the trip to Twickenham on Saturday week.
Here is the incident with Maestri. Judge for yourself if you think it warrants further action.
Needless to say, many fans and media, both in Ireland and the UK, were outraged by citing commissioner’s decision.
no suspension for Maestri for the hit on Sexton. Premeditated, off-the-ball violence only worth a warning.
— owenslotTheTimes (@owenslot) February 15, 2016
Maestri receives a Citing Commissioner's Warning, i.e. You've been a naughty boy, the officials should have binned you, but short of a red.
— Andy McGeady (@andymcgeady) February 15, 2016
So does this mean every player can go around roughly shouldering opposition players off the ball without proper sanction? #Maestri
— Stephen Doyle (@dubsoulrebel) February 15, 2016
