Whitehouse slammed for refereeing howler

Editor

Welsh referee Ben Whitehouse has been heavily criticised after some shocking calls in Saturday's Champions Cup clash between Clermont and Northampton.

Bath utility-back Anthony Watson and Harlequins prop Joe Marler are among a number of current and former Test players hammering the Swansea-born official's performance.

Whitehouse is trending on social media at the moment, and a referee trending is never a good sign.

The 27-year-old has incurred the wrath of former Ireland fly-half Tony Ward and Munster fans at various stages throughout the entire season so far.

However, nothing compares to the stick he is taking for his handling of Clermont's 24-7 victory home over the Saints at the weekend.

Whitehouse was already viewed as being too fussy with his refereeing at scrum time. He then disallowed a Northampton try in the first half for a knock-on when Courtney Lawes legitimately dislodged the ball for Dylan Hartley to pounce on.

Five minutes later, Hartley was sin-binned for foul play, but replays suggested as his arm accidentally caught Rabah Slimani in the face.

Clermont were also on the receiving end of poor officiating when replays showed Christian Day's foot had been out of play shortly before he scored Northampton's only try.

Whitehouse also let Morgan Parra return after an attempted tackle on Luther Burrell, which left the French international in severe agony and on the ground, also caused controversy for the referee.

Former England lock Ben Kay said: "The referee said he was unconscious, he's not allowed to come back on to the field. The referee has the power to say he cannot continue."

Social media is going into meltdown following the incident-packed match, and comments made about Whitehouse's performance did not make pretty reading.