The decision to send Zach Mercer off in the Champions Cup round of 16 clash between Exeter Chiefs and Montpellier has not been received well.
The Montpellier number eight was red-carded for a tackle on Christ Tshiunza, where he made contact with the Exeter Chiefs forward’s head.
Mercer was deemed to have been upright in the tackle as he made a double hit with Jan Serfontien.
Referee Andrew Brace judged that there was no mitigation as there was no significant dip in height.
Zach Mercer a bit unlucky here?#HeinekenChampionsCup #EXEvMHR pic.twitter.com/IOf9DrnMD9
— Planet Rugby (@PlanetRugby) April 2, 2023
Reaction
The reaction from onlookers on Twitter disagreed with the referee.
Sunday Times writer Stephen Jones tweeted that the sending off ‘reveals the silly side’ of the new head contact framework.
“Red card for Zach Mercer at Exeter reveals the silly side of new framework. At time of contact Mercer hardly moving. Way more of a graze than an impact.”
Philasande Sixaba agreed with Jones, tweeting: “The letter of the law in rugby needs proper review. There’s no way that is a red card for Mercer.”
The letter of the law in rugby needs proper review. There’s no way that is a red card for Mercer.
— Philasande Sixaba (@psixaba) April 2, 2023
“I think Zach Mercer is quite hard done by there.” commentator Dave Rogers added.
Rugby Inside Line argued that Tshuinza dipped after making contact with Montpellier centre Serfontein and had no time to react.
“Not convinced… Tshiunza’s head dips after contact. Mercer has no time to react.”
Not convinced…
Tshiunza’s head dips after contact. Mercer has no time to react. https://t.co/Ejs5YCGBkr
— RugbyInsideLine (@RugbyInsideLine) April 2, 2023
Many felt that Mercer was unlucky to be sent off for his tackle on the Exeter forward.
“Personally thought the red card from Mercer was VERY unlucky . Thought Serfontein tackled the player first causing a slight dip making it high , was not with a lot of force so I was thinking penalty if he was lucky or yellow at most …” @Anrich_Aggeneys tweeted.
“Didn’t look like a red card to me. Yellow would have been fine. Think Mercer right to look aggrieved” added @adrian_slabbert.
“Zach Mercer bit unlucky I think, not high force so yellow imo,” tweeted @LeTigersFan
READ MORE: Sunday Social: Wholesome moments, April fools and a big hit
Click Here: Tonga Rugby Shop