Speaking to the media in the wake of Steve Borthwick’s side’s third defeat of the tournament, England prop Ellis Genge slammed the decision to red card Freddie Steward.
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The England fullback was sent off just before half-time after his elbow made contact with Hugo Keenan’s head.
Keenan left the field for a head injury assessment, which he failed.
“I think we all agree about the red card. We play a contact sport”, said the Bristol Bears loosehead, before adding “there was absolutely no malice in what Freddie did — no malice whatsoever”.
Genge added: “He’s (Steward) actually tried to pull out and not hurt the bloke so it was a complete and total accident for me and I don’t think he can be punished like that.
“We just stuck with the best team in the world for 40-odd minutes with 14 men. I’m really proud of the boys.”
Social reaction:
England cricket captain Ben Stokes wrote “Red card??????????? Shambles shambles shambles, Rugby being ruined”
He went onto add: “Anyone trying to defend that red card decision at the half time break is just trying to look after them selves.”
Joe Marler added: “red card??????????? Shambles shambles shambles, Rugby being ruined,:
England legend Jason Robinson commented: “Absolutely ridiculous!!!! That was a Yellow card at best.”
Jonathan Joseph added: “Absolute shambles.”
Next up was Austin Healey, writing: “Bullshit!!! The ball was knocked on he was bracing for impact and turning away …Utter shite decision”
Will Carling commented: “Steward had a split second to react – after a knock on – to a man running at him. Of course his instinct should be to make himself as vulnerable as possible – there was no intent – he was protecting himself – what a bloody joke”
Andy Goode said: “Awful call from Jaco Peyper, that’s a rugby incident never a red card for Steward.”
England’s squad ranked from best to worst:
Jack Willis – 6.5/10
Vs Italy – 8/10
Vs Wales – 6/10
vs France – 4/10
Vs Ireland – 8/10
Jamie George – 6.4/10
Vs Scotland – 7/10
Vs Italy – 8/10
Vs Wales – 6/10
vs France – 5/10
vs Ireland – 6/10
Ellis Genge – 6.4/10
Vs Scotland – 5/10
Vs Italy – 7/10
Vs Wales – 8/10
vs France – 5/10
vs Ireland – 7/10
Ollie Chessum – 6.25/10
Vs Scotland – 8/10
Vs Italy – 7/10
Vs Wales – 5/10
vs France- 5/10
Freddie Steward – 6.2/10
Vs Scotland – 6/10
Vs Italy – 6/10
Vs Wales – 9/10
vs France – 6/10
vs Irland – 5/10