English referee Luke Pearce has been commended by fans for an admission on social media that highlighted the challenges that the 36-year-old faces during matches.
The impressive referee is quickly gaining a reputation as one of the greatest referees in the world, controlling proceedings in some of the highest-profile matches and competitions around. At the weekend, Pearce took on the mighty challenge of refereeing a Rugby Championship match between Australia and South Africa.
It was during the match that Pearce penalised the Springbok defensive line for offside after Wallaby number 9, Jake Gordon, had knocked the ball on. Confused by the matter, Springbok fan, Shaldon asked the referee for clarification on X, saying:
“There was a ruck where oz 9 think it was Gordon did at the time Looked to have picked up the ball and play it and even shot up the d line. But then got penaltized for offside. Can a 9 Dummy a pass from the base to get the d line to shoot up?”
Admitting that the call was actually a mistake at the time, Pearce replied: “It was a mistake on my part Shaldon. I didn’t see the 9 knock the ball on. We try our best but sometimes we get it wrong. Thanks for the question.”
One fan nodded to the conversation, adding: “How it should work! Courteous question. Honest answer. Mutual respect.”
Luke Pearce is the best ref at communicating I have ever seen…I guess heard. Don’t always agree with his decisions, by everyone knows what decision he has made & why. Respect.
— Richard Crompton (@anonymousSA1972) August 12, 2024
This interaction has been seen as a refreshing change to officiating, where those in the middle are more confident to admit their mistakes without fear of backlash from fans.
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