Saracens number eight Billy Vunipola cost his side 20 metres for backchat during Saturday’s Premiership game against Exeter Chiefs.
The England star disagreed with a decision made by referee Luke Pearce midway through the first half at Sandy Park which prompted the official to march Saracens back 10 metres.
However as Vunipola walked back he voiced his opinion once again at Pearce, which only made things worse as the referee pushed them back a further 10 metres and gifted Exeter their first points of the match.
Luke Pearce not taking any Sh*t. pic.twitter.com/NrrWvF4CE1
— shay waterworth (@ShayWaterworth) December 5, 2021
Vunipola, clearly frustrated, even pushed away his own teammate Jackson Wray who was trying to reason with the 29-year-old.
Luke Pearce is taking absolutely no prisoners this afternoon.
Behave yourselves, lads.#GallagherPrem pic.twitter.com/g3TVl7QqPF
— Rugby on BT Sport (@btsportrugby) December 4, 2021
With 60 international caps Vunipola is one of the game’s most experienced number eights and these three points proved costly, as the Chiefs took an 18-15 win.
Pearce, 34, is one of the most experienced referees in the Premiership and has taken charge of some huge international games. A recent montage by YouTuber Andrew Forde showcases Pearce’s communication skills on the pitch which make him one of rugby’s top officials.
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