England hopeful hit with a double citing complaint after ‘horrendous decision’

Jared Wright
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Bath's Alfie Barbeary tackled Racing 92's Max Spring resulting in a yellow card during the Investec Champions Cup and Referee Andrea Piardi asses the big screen before giving Barbeary a yellow card.

Bath's Alfie Barbeary tackled Racing 92's Max Spring resulting in a yellow card during the Investec Champions Cup and Referee Andrea Piardi asses the big screen before giving Barbeary a yellow card.

Bath back-rower Alfie Barbeary could miss out on England selection through suspension after receiving two citing complaints.

Referee Andrea Piardi issued Barbeary with two yellow cards during the Champions Cup clash against Racing 92 on Sunday afternoon, resulting in his sending off in the 74th minute.

Double citing

While a double yellow card would usually result in a disciplinary hearing, Barbeary has also been cited for each of the incidents that led to his red card in Bath’s 29-25 win.

“EPCR has received two citing complaints against the Bath Rugby No 8, Alfie Barbeary, arising from his club’s Investec Champions Cup, Round 3 match against Racing 92 at The Recreation Ground on Sunday, 14 January 2024,” an EPCR statement read.

“In the first instance, Barbeary is alleged to have tackled the Racing 92 full back, Max Spring (No 15), in a dangerous manner in the 6th minute of the match in contravention of Law 9.13.”

Law 9.13 A player must not tackle an opponent early, late or dangerously.
Under World Rugby’s Sanctions for Foul Play, Law 9.13 carries the following sanction entry points – Low End: 2 weeks; Mid-range: 6 weeks; Top end: 10 to 52 weeks.

That first incident, in the sixth minute, was largely criticised by commentator Austin Healey, who slammed the call to yellow card the Bath back rower as a ‘horrendous decision’, with many onlookers agreeing with former England back.

Second citing

EPCR’s statement added: “Secondly, Barbeary is alleged to have struck the Racing 92 scrum half, Nolann Le Garrec (No 9), with his forearm in a dangerous manner in the 75th minute of the match in contravention of Law 9.11.”

Law 9.11 A player must not do anything that is reckless or dangerous to others, including leading with the elbow or forearm.
Under World Rugby’s Sanctions for Foul Play, Law 9.11 carries the following sanction entry points – Low End: 2 weeks; Mid-range: 6 weeks; Top end: 10 to 52 weeks

“As both incidents are now the subject of citing complaints, the red card decision will only be considered if the two citing complaints are dismissed.”

Barbeary’s hopes of representing England this Six Nations now hang in the balance with head coach Steve Borthwick naming his squad for the tournament this week.

READ MORE: Champions Cup Team of the Week: French stars dominate with a healthy English contingent

Bath Alfie Barbeary

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