"We all agree" - Ellis Genge engaged by red card decision - Ruck

“We all agree” – Ellis Genge engaged by red card decision

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.”

https://twitter.com/ITVRugby/status/1637151073944195074

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

Try Celebrations for Jack Willis of England as he goes over for a try during the Six Nations Match between England and Italy at Twickenham, London on 12 Feb 2023 (Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK)

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

Ellis Genge of England on the break during the Six Nations Championship, Calcutta Cup match between England and Scotland at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on February 4th 2023. – PHOTO: Phil Mingo/PPAUK

Ollie Chessum – 6.25/10

Vs Scotland – 8/10

Vs Italy – 7/10

Vs Wales – 5/10

vs France- 5/10

Ollie Chessum of England beats the tackle of Matt Fagerson of Scotland during the Six Nations Championship, Calcutta Cup match between England and Scotland at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on February 4th 2023. – PHOTO: Phil Mingo/PPAUK

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

Freddie Steward of England during the Six Nations Match between England and Italy at Twickenham, London on 12 Feb 2023 (Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK)

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