Australia winger Reece Hodge has been banned for three games after his dangerous tackle on Peceli Yato in the World Cup Pool D victory over Fiji.
An independent disciplinary committee in Tokyo adjudged Hodge’s no-arms challenge on the Fijian flanker to warrant a red card.
WATCH THE INCIDENT HERE:
Poor refereeing #AUSvFIJ and commentary @ITVSport Fiji allowed multiple breakdown infringement and illegal lineout routines Reece Hodge minimum yellow for this pic.twitter.com/MNFwTcWtcv
— Ed Crick (@edcrick) September 21, 2019
The ban comes a day after World Rugby publicly criticised the standard of officiating in the tournament so far.
Wallabies legend Drew Mitchell wasn’t convinced. Pointing out another angle shows Hodge’s arms were clearly wrapped.
There has already been a bit of talk about referees and their decisions but let’s appreciate the difficult roles they have..
— Drew Mitchell (@drew_mitchell) September 22, 2019
Many are very quick to condemn before having all the evidence. Just like this ‘no arms high shot’ from Hodge..
Both his arms are wrapped, play on.. pic.twitter.com/pfwfLA84Yc
Tim Horan was equally frustrated with the ban, using the hashtag #Itsnottouchfooty.
I’m all for the safety and welfare of rugby players. But 3 weeks for Reece Hodge tackle puts ALL @rugbyworldcup players on notice. #itsnottouchfooty @FOXRUGBY
— Tim Horan (@TimHoran12) September 25, 2019
Former England captain Will Carling responded to Horan, saying he believes the Wallabies speedster has been made a scapegoat.
Hodge has 48 hours to appeal against the ban, which had been reduced from six games because of “Hodge’s exemplary disciplinary record, good character and conduct at the hearing”.