SM
Barcelona vs. Brann: 8 hrs 37 mins
Upcoming predictions and previews
Collect News Data

Warren Gatland upset by World Rugby's criticism when charging Rassie Erasmus

:Headline: Warren Gatland upset by World Rugby's criticism when charging Rassie Erasmus:
Rassie Erasmus will face a hearing after the Lions series to answer for the hour-long video where he attacked the officials' display in the first Test.
Sports Mole

Warren Gatland is dismayed that the British and Irish Lions were criticised alongside South Africa when World Rugby charged Springboks director of rugby Rassie Erasmus with misconduct.

Erasmus will face a hearing after the series against the Lions, which will be decided at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday, to answer for the hour-long video in which he attacks the performance of the officials from the first Test.

But in announcing the disciplinary action, World Rugby also took aim at the tourists by stating that it is "concerned that individuals from both teams have commented on the selection and/or performance of match officials".

South Africa director of rugby Rassie Erasmus will face a misconduct hearing after the series against the Lions (Steve Haag/PA)

A reminder of the importance of respecting officials and of the values of the sport have also been issued, but Gatland objects to being bracketed alongside Erasmus, who has repeatedly used social media to campaign against the Lions and highlight refereeing mistakes.

Gatland insists his opposition to the appointment of Marius Jonker, a South African, as TMO for the entire series was because of World Rugby's lack of foresight rather than concerns over impartiality.

"The only thing I'm disappointed about in World Rugby's statement is that they've kind of inadvertently dragged us into it," Gatland said.

"We've tried to, we think, maintain as much integrity as we can, in terms of we haven't been commenting on refereeing.

“I'm really, really disappointed with the part of the statement where they've sort of said both sides have been making comments and being critical of the officials”
- British and Irish Lions head coach Warren Gatland

"We never questioned the TMO. The only question we asked is why hadn't World Rugby put a contingency plan in place if people couldn't travel or got sick.

"So I'm really, really disappointed with the part of the statement where they've sort of said both sides have been making comments and being critical of the officials.

"I'd like someone to show me where we have done that. We've looked through everything and we can't see any instances where we've been critical of the officials. In fact, I think we've praised the officials."

Jonker replaced Brendon Pickerill when travel restrictions caused by the coronavirus pandemic meant the New Zealander could not fly to South Africa.

"We found out about this on the Wednesday night before the first Test. Our understanding was that it was going to be Brendon Pickerill," Gatland said.

"We only found out subsequently that World Rugby had known for at least a week or so that there was at least a possibility that he wasn't going to be travelling to South Africa.

"That's what raised our concerns. We weren't notified about that and why there wasn't a contingency in place for it happening?

"Every four years, there's a World Cup and I think the next biggest thing on the world rugby calendar is the Lions.

"You don't want to be in a position where any of the match officials can be potentially criticised or questioned.

"We've already had that, where these officials have been accused of being disrespected and haven't made the right calls and have potentially being influenced. That's been disappointing.

"For everyone, we have to make sure we respect the officials as best we can. They have a difficult, difficult job, there was a lot spoken about certain decisions and calls and sometimes you've got to suck it up and get on with it."

body check tags ::

amp_article__457984 : Collect and Make Data not in DataBase  : 
last updated article - 2021-08-03 17:28:47:
html db last update - 2021-08-03 17:27:17 :

ex - 7200 : read : write cache and make html

Click here for more stories about Warren Gatland

Click here for more stories about British and Irish Lions

Share this article now:
KS
Read Next:
Kyle Sinckler free to face South Africa after citing for biting is dismissed
>


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
AL
Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!
Read more about Warren Gatland Rassie Erasmus Rugby Union
Follow @SportsMole for the latest breaking news stories, and follow @sm_headlines to get every headline from Sports Mole
Recommended Next on SM
Kyle Sinckler free to face South Africa after citing for biting is dismissed
Lionel Messi reveals decision over retirement

Page options

Premier League Table
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Arsenal28204470244664
2Liverpool28197265263964
3Manchester CityMan City28196363283563
4Aston Villa29175760421856
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs28165759421753
6Manchester UnitedMan Utd28152113939047
7West Ham UnitedWest Ham2912894650-444
8Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton2811985044642
9Wolverhampton WanderersWolves28125114244-241
10Newcastle UnitedNewcastle281241259481140
11Chelsea27116104745239
12Fulham29115134344-138
13Bournemouth2898114152-1135
14Crystal Palace2878133348-1529
15Brentford2975174154-1326
16Everton2887132939-1025
17Luton TownLuton2957174260-1822
18Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest2967163551-1621
19Burnley2945202963-3417
20Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd2835202474-5014
Scroll for more - Tap for full version


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
AL
Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

history www

Arsenal injury, suspension list vs. Man City - Saka, Gabriel

1

AI

Manchester United could be missing nine players for Brentford clash

2

MU

Liverpool injury, suspension list vs. Brighton

NEW

3

LI

Preview: DC United vs. Montreal - prediction, team news, lineups

4

PD

Key Man City defender 'serious doubt for Arsenal clash'

5

KM

Chelsea injury, suspension list vs. Burnley

6

CI

Liverpool 'hopeful defender has avoided serious injury'

7

L'

Preview: Sheff Weds vs. Swansea - prediction, team news, lineups

8

PS

Man United injury, suspension list vs. Brentford

9

MU

Man United to prioritise Olise deal over Bakayoko?

10

MU


. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .