Lobby group slams TMO for ‘dereliction’ of duty after ‘reckless’ play on Owen Farrell is ignored
Owen Farrell during the Premiership Rugby match between Saracens and Harlequins at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Progressive Rugby has criticised the Premiership Rugby match officials who ignored the “dangerous play” on Owen Farrell during the match between Saracens and Harlequins.
Saracens asserted their dominance over their London rivals at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday, a match that was marred by a controversial incident.
Racing 92-bound Saracens captain, Farrell, celebrated his 250th appearance for his club in style as Sarries marched to an impressive 52-7 victory over the Famous Quarters.
TMO controversy in Saracens v Harlequins
However, a controversial incident involving the broadcaster TNT Sports and the television match official dominated the headlines. A Harlequins forward escaped punishment for what has been described as “reckless play.”
Commentator Austin Healey spotted the incident as Saracens flanker Juan Martin Gonzalez dove over the try line.
As Gonzalez scored, Farrell was taken out by a Harlequins player at the ruck who collided into the fly-half, seemingly with no arms.
His actions sparked a melee between the two sets of players, with Healey spotting what occurred.
“That’s a yellow card all day long. It’s off the ball, the ball’s gone, he steps in with his shoulder with a no-arm tackle,” Healey said.
Also this- TMO yelling “oh don’t show it”. Is this actually allowed?
Some interesting questions for @premrugby & @rugbyontnt
One for @stephenjones9
& other rugby journos to query pic.twitter.com/7OGKicN1R8— Tom Finn-Kelcey (@TFinnKelcey) March 23, 2024
However, the incident was ignored, and the TMO’s comments were overheard on the broadcast.
“The problem we’ve got now of course is that it looks like Healey’s instigated it. The problem I’ve got now is that it looks like Austin’s instigated it,” the TMO said, as the incident was not reviewed.
The official was then overhead again as the TV replayed the incident, adding: “oh don’t show it”.
‘Ego got in’ TMO’s way after apparent foul play on Owen Farrell is wilfully ignored
Progressive Rugby’s reaction
Following the events on Saturday, non-profit player welfare lobby group Progressive Rugby has released a statement slamming the actions of the officials.
“Whatever the reason, it is clear a decision has been taken to ignore foul, reckless or dangerous play because of concern that it had been highlighted by a pundit,” Professor John Fairclough of the player welfare group said.
“This is hugely concerning and a clear dereliction of a match official’s duty to ensure player safety. An explanation should be sought as a matter of urgency.”
It is understood that TMOs are able to hear the commentators during the matches, but their feed is then cut off when they are reviewing an incident to avoid cases of the commentary influencing decisions.
At the time of writing, TNT Sports and Premiership Rugby had yet to comment on the incident.
READ MORE: Saracens’ ‘incredible’ Owen Farrell showered in praise after Harlequins demolition
