Alain Rolland defends his decision to show red card to Wales skipper Sam Warburton - Rugby News
Irish referee, Alain Rolland, has defended his decision of awarding a red card to Wales’ skipper Sam Warburton during the semi-final of Rugby World Cup 2011. Rolland told the media on November 16 that he was left with no other option than showing Warburton
a red card. Sam Warburton was indulged in a dangerous tackle that landed French player Vincent Clerc on his head and the referee took immediate notice of the incident and sent the captain off the field.
Alain Rolland found himself in hot water after the match as Welsh management and supporters took him to task after the match. Spirited Wales was in a good nick in the global showpiece and Sam Warburton was leading his side from the front when he was benched
from the all important match. Wales, despite being short of one man for exactly an hour, competed well and ended up the clash with slight margin of 9-8.
The Welsh coach, Warren Gatland, slammed the decision from Rolland after the encounter and said that it looked as if the referee had already made his mind of giving the player maximum penalty.
The Welsh supporters also expressed their outrage against the Irish umpire and blamed him of favouring French side. However, the former Wales player Robert Jones backed Rolland despite his severe attitude and said he took the right decision under the regulations
of International Rugby Board.
Talking to the reporters on November 16, Alain Rolland said that, “To be fair to Sam, I think it is a true measure of the man he is. I don't think he had to come out to say anything and I didn't really care one way or the other because what happened, happened.
I think for the game in general it was a very good comment by Sam because parents looking on would be happy to see he came out and said what he said, which might make the game a bit safer.”
Alain Rolland is the key member of IRB elite panel and he has officiated the final of Rugby World Cup 2007 as well.
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