Eng V Wales, Why Was Francis Not Red Carded?

[ToraToraTora]

I saw the game but I couldn't really hear the commentary but the ref called for a review of the incident and Francis clearly gouged Cole, so why was it not dealt with there and then?

[VHG]

They said they only had one camera view of the incident so could not be certain that he had gouged him.

So they gave him the benefit of the doubt (lucky man I say)

[Sqad]

He was.........a penalty was awarded to England.

He was not red carded because the replay wasn't conclusive as to whether it was intended or accidental.

[Khandro]

I thought the card would be coming out too, but I think the ref. would need more information and need to see for himself the 'evidence' that we were all watching.
It is a serious offence, I hope he will be adequately punished for it.

[retrocop]

Well I thought I clearly saw a deliberate gouge.

[Togo]

The match officials bottled it. Hope he gets cited.

[Sqad]

I have to confess, that i thought that the contact was with his nose....not his eyes. I have no idea if it was deliberate, but didn't look it to me.

[-Talbot-]

It was clearly a deliberate act.

[ToraToraTora]

no doubt he did it, no doubt it was deliberate, did you see Cole writhe in pain? He'll be cited I'm sure

[melv16]

If Cole had have rolled around on the floor like a footballer, I think a red card would have been shown. Mind you, he's a prop and probably wouldn't have felt it anyway :-)

[Togo]

If Hartley had been the perp. he would have been sent off without a review.

[Peter Pedant]

I think Joubert realised he had dropped another bullock
but it was real time ....

I bet his first thought was - - how far is it to the dressing room ?

Good game tho'
amaxingly quick

[ChillDoubt]

As I've said elsewhere, he wasn't red carded simply because the TMO is guilty of a serious case of dereliction of duty, nothing less.
It was shameful, and I say that as a Welshman and WRU referee.

[retrocop]

I thought from the TV camera at the time that Francis's hand went to an area (Cole's Face) where it had no reason to be any where near. I believe it was deliberate and Yes. I did see Cole wince when it was done.

[-Talbot-]

Here's a slow mo ... http://www.punditarena.com/rugby/adrumm/video-should-tomas-francis-be-expecting-a-call-from-the-citing-commissioner/

[Sqad]

^^^ Yes, i have changed my mind, that does look malicious.

[Peter Pedant]

sqad you have the wisdom of solomon - you can change your mind in the light of new evidence
I salute you

[Mick-the-Miller]

I'm an England supporter and saw the incident and replays on TV.

I thought Francis grabbed Cole's nose, I didn't see a gouge. Obviously, it was a deliberate and reckless act and at least he should have been given a yellow card.

I expect he'll be cited and then get banned for the next game, at least.

[ChillDoubt]

Mick,
Maybe we're looking at different footage, I saw a hand across the face (where it had no right to be) and a raking across the eyes with the index and middle finger with the ring finger catching the nose.
Francis will have a hard time explaining to the citing commissioner why his hand was even there, let alone his subsequent actions.

[toalisi]

Maybe another citing is imminent.

Joe Marler making a racist comment ' Heh Gypsy Boy' to Samson Lee.

[Mick-the-Miller]

Francis has now been Cited for gouging - and Joe Marlar is being investigated for making 'Gipsy Boy' remark to Samson Lee!