Fans outraged with a red card shown to a Connacht player in a clash with Scarlets in the URC.
Connacht beat the Scarlets in a crucial win 29-23 in Parc y Scarlets last Saturday. This was Connacht’s first away win against the Scarlets in 17 years.
Tonga international Leva Fifita was shown a second yellow card which ended in a red when trying to block a kick. Fifita jumped into the air as the ball was kicked and accidentally fell into the kicker with his hands in the air. The red card came at a crucial point in the game with 5 minutes left to play. The game at this stage was still in the balance as Connacht led 29-20.
The red card gave a much needed lift to the Scarlets as they launched their attack once again. Substitute Rhys Patchell knocked over the penalty that followed to decrease Connacht’s margin to 6. Scarlets kept themselves in possession for the majority of the final moments as they looked to snatch a victory at the death. However, it wasn’t to be as Connacht held on to claim an important victory in the context of the league table and their season.
Many Connacht fans expressed their disappointment in the decision arrived at by the officials concerning Fifita’s second yellow card which resulted in a red card. Viewers were outraged in the moment when the red card was awarded and after the final whistle.
Watching #SCAvCON this morning. That second yellow card for Fifita is as bad a call as you'll see this season.
— Neil Treacy (@neil_treacy) February 20, 2022
Some of the decisions in this game 🤯
Fifita is 110kg+ and apparently he has the ability to change direction mid-air. This is obviously a talent Connacht have not utilised so far this season!😉🤷♂️ #SCAvCON https://t.co/pUee1n8k16— Oisín Cleary (@oisoftheclears) February 20, 2022
Hey #URC
If you want the public to buy into the tournament and if you want it to grow then you must address the regularly poor standards of Referees and TMOs.
It is not good enough! #SCAvCON
— Pearce Flannery (@PearceFlannery) February 20, 2022
Can a red card be overturned through the citing commissioner resulting in no ban at all?
Because after watching it back again and again, there is no way that Fifita deserved that card. Officiating was extremely poor tonight #SCAvCON #URC
— CatherineL (@CatherineL2288) February 19, 2022
I've mulled it over
Watched it again
And I've come to a conclusion about this…#SCAvCON https://t.co/qnBXYQhvZF pic.twitter.com/sLgEkGh3ja
— The 2nd Row (@the2ndRow) February 19, 2022
This is the Leva Fifita yellow card that we discussed on yesterday's pod for members of The42.
This was Connacht lock Fifita's second yellow, so he was sent off.
Strong stuff from @Toolan82 on this one! pic.twitter.com/Oyx7zj7cXP
— Murray Kinsella (@Murray_Kinsella) February 22, 2022
Sign In