CONFIRMED: SA ref Peyper got red-card call wrong

*Note: This is an updated article on the review of Peyper’s decision in the Six Nations

During this past weekend’s final round of the Six Nations, Ireland claimed a comfortable victory over England to claim the Six Nations title. Yet, the Test in Dublin was ultimately overshadowed byJaco Peyper’s decision to controversially red card England’s Freddie Steward towards the end of the first half.

Although the contact with Hugo Keenan appeared to be accidental as Steward tried to avoid colliding with his opposite number, Peyper still decided to issue a red card after reviewing the incident.

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It led to a widespread backlash across social media, with many questioning whether the integrity of the game was being compromised.

A disciplinary panel has now reviewed Freddie Steward’s red card, and decided it should be rescinded. The committee felt Steward “had been reckless in his actions and in his upright positioning as he approached and came into highly dangerous contact with the other player”. However, mitigation applied “including the late change in the dynamics and positioning of the opposing player”.

As a result, it was deemed that the sanction should have been downgraded from red to yellow.

Notably, the Committee acknowledged that match officials are required to make “decisions under pressure and in the heat of a live match environment.”

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Over the weekend, Schalk Burger Snr – who played six Tests for the Springboks – particularly launched into an angry Twitter tirade in which he hit out at Peyper, while also suggesting the integrity of a contact sport is being tarnished by so-called “wokeness”.

Disagree – any person that has played the game will when reviewing an incident be able to pick up intent – in this case there was no intent towards foul play – but another Jonker Peyper pooper https://t.co/nz6JA5OM2E

— Schalk Burger (@skalabrak) March 19, 2023

One word we have lost in rugby .. INTENT … what was the intent of the player being penalised – if many ex- players were allowed to adjudicate there would be very few of these bad decisions, it is a contact sport played at pace, most players intent was not to hurt @RugbyLAD7

— Schalk Burger (@skalabrak) March 19, 2023

Who has stolen our game?? Only the refs and the media! Disgusting red card, cannot review in slomo!! Peyper involved again https://t.co/qmm5gqDRvb

— Schalk Burger (@skalabrak) March 18, 2023

Numerous fans, as well as former and current England players, took to social media to voice their opinion.

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See some of the reaction to the Peyper decision below:

Looks to me like Steward was attempting not to make a tackle.

In the circumstances of the spilled ball and Keenan’s attempt to regather, which completely changed the dynamic of the situation, I can’t see this as anything but accidental.

A rugby incident. Not a red card for me. https://t.co/8Cs0rtD3Au

— Rugby and the Law (@rugbyandthelaw) March 18, 2023

Awful call from Jaco Peyper, that’s a rugby incident never a red card for Steward

— Andy Goode (@AndyGoode10) March 18, 2023

Brian O’Driscoll on the Steward red card: “There is a duty of care on the defender that he can’t lead with a shoulder like that. He catches him square in the head and Jaco Peyper probably came to the right decision, albeit it’s a really tough one to take.”

— Simon Thomas Rugby (@simonrug) March 18, 2023

https://twitter.com/Jonathanjoseph0/status/1637149239028465665

Absolutely ridiculous!!!!
That was a Yellow card at best.

— Jason Robinson (@Jason15Robinson) March 18, 2023

Steve Borthwick opts not to comment on Freddie Steward's red card.

Says his focus was on how England would react to playing with 14 for second half.

"I thought the players adapted incredibly well."

— Murray Kinsella (@Murray_Kinsella) March 18, 2023

Ireland were worthy winners of the tournament

Johnny Sexton relished what was a “dream” final Six Nations Test as hooker Dan Sheehan scored two tries to help steer Ireland to a 29-16 victory to claim their fourth Grand Slam.

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Sexton became the Six Nations all-time record points scorer.

“Bloody hell, what a team!” said Sexton post-match. “We did exactly the opposite of what the coaches told us! But we did it in the end.

“It’s like a dream I don’t want to wake up from. This is what you dream of as a kid. I’m pinching myself.”

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell was delighted how the result had ended in their favour.

“It means so much to everyone here; to be able to do a St Patrick’s weekend and win a Grand Slam is always going to be special,” said the 47-year-old Englishman, father of England flyhalf and skipper Owen.

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