ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Wallaby hooker suspended for swearing at Wayne Barnes

BY Stephen Brunsdon  ·  Thursday Jan 27, 2022

Stade Français hooker Tolu Latu has been handed a one-week suspension following his sending off during last weekend’s European Champions Cup encounter against Connacht.

ADVERTISEMENT

Latu was dismissed for a second yellow card offence after directing abusive language towards referee Wayne Barnes in the 46th minute of the match in Paris.

Stade Français went on to produce a sensational comeback to steal an unlikely 37-31 victory as the Irish side again capitulated in the second half.

The sending off was deemed by the Independent Disciplinary Committee to be a low-end offence, with Latu copping a seven-day ban after the entry-level punishment was reduced by 50%.

According to World Rugby’s Law 9.28, “a player must not disrespect the authority of a match official” which Latu was found to have done.

The Committee’s decision read: “The independent Disciplinary Committee comprising John Carroll (Ireland), Chair, Mitchell Read (England) and Olly Kohn (Wales) considered video imagery of the incidents and heard evidence and submissions from the player, who accepted the red card decision, from the Stade Francais Paris Director General, Thomas Lombard, from the Stade Francais Paris Head Coach, Gonzalo Quesada, and from the EPCR Disciplinary Officer, Liam McTiernan.

“The committee upheld the red decision, finding that on each occasion Latu had committed an act of foul play that warranted a yellow card. It then determined that the offending was at the low end of World Rugby’s sanctions and two weeks was selected as the appropriate entry point.

ADVERTISEMENT

“As there were no aggravating factors, it was decided to grant the full 50% mitigation and the committee reduced the sanction by one week before imposing a one-week suspension.

“Latu is free to play next Monday (31 January) and both he and EPCR have the right to appeal the decision.”

Latu is not the only player to have felt the wrath of Wayne Barnes over the years, with former England captain Dylan Hartley the most famous case of receiving a red card for using bad language in front of the English referee.

Here are some of Barnes’ most iconic moments during his career.

Related Articles

  • 29 WEEKS AGO

    Scotland international signs for Welsh BKT...

  • 29 WEEKS AGO

    Former Edinburgh coach Cockerill blasts Scottish...

  • 29 WEEKS AGO

    WATCH: Bielle-Biarrey & Penaud stunning long-range...



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 2 DAYS AGO

    Fans in awe as Joyce finishes ‘impossible’ solo try

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    WATCH: Outlandish Jacob Stockdale finish is truly world class

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Ulster denied THE GREATEST URC try you will ever see!

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Capuozzo break sets Dupont up for hatrick on return

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Fans praise 'Dom Perignon Rugby' as Irish players prepare for final match of South African tour

View All

Big Hits & Dirty Play

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    WATCH: The biggest hit from week one of the Autumn Nations Series

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    'Cheap shot' from Leicester Tigers vs Northampton Saints causing a stir online

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Wild moment leads to all in brawl during Welsh derby between Cardiff and Scarlets

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    South African school boy makes the greatest tackle ever

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Huge guillotine tackle divides fans in viral footage

View All

See It To Believe It

  • 2 DAYS AGO

    Fans in awe as Joyce finishes ‘impossible’ solo try

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Insane moment as french backrow waves off medic and smokes Ange Capuozzo

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible drop goal helps break 25-match losing streak

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Leinster fly half delivers insane 50:22 after being given start for Emerging Ireland

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    French scrumhalf drills perfect shot at goal under outrageous circumstances

View All

Funnies

  • 4 DAYS AGO

    “Put that in the book” - Rieko Ioane’s explosive post reignites feud with Sexton

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    Mischievous Marcus Smith spotted engaging in the dark arts during All Blacks match

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Jonny Sexton: 'Fondest memory of the Heineken Cup in 2011?' - 'Gordon D'Arcy's bar' and 'Coppers'

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Watch: Mike Haley's post match interaction with RG Snyman leaves no doubt about where Munster players stand

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    The rugby guy and Mack Hansen drop an all time BANGER with latest video

View All

Amateur

  • 96 WEEKS AGO

    You Won’t See Many Better Than This Silky-Smooth Try From Llandovery RFC

  • 96 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes As Caldy RFC Hand Ealing First Championship Defeat Of The Season

  • 119 WEEKS AGO

    Dubious Score Decides Result Of Rugby's Biggest Schools Fixture

  • 119 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes At School Boys Rugby Match

  • 120 WEEKS AGO

    The Next Dominant Backrow?

View All

Player Features

  • 18 HOURS AGO

    Anthony Watson exclusive: 'I wouldn't be surprised if England win'

  • 4 DAYS AGO

    It’s a 9.5/10 for Joseph-Aukuso Sua’ali’i

  • 4 DAYS AGO

    “Put that in the book” - Rieko Ioane’s explosive post reignites feud with Sexton

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    Should Steve Borthwick have brought on George Ford? Or trusted in Marcus Smith?

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Louis Rees-Zammit opens up about his biggest shock in chasing NFL dream

View All