Hill avoids Faletau citing

NO further action is to be taken over the controversial clear-out of Welsh international Taulupe Faletau during Saturday’s Gallagher Premiership semi-final.

Exeter’s Jonny Hill has avoided a citing over the incident which has so divided opinion since the Sandy Park clash.

Referee Luke Pearce and TMO Wayne Barnes decided it only merited a yellow card as there was no clear evidence of Hill making contact with Faletau’s head or neck.

This provoked an outcry on social media, with many people insistent that Hill’s shoulder connected with the head of the Bath No 8.

The official Bath Twitter account had made their feelings known straight away, referring to a “Horrific clear-out at the ruck”.

And the reaction grew following Exeter’s 35-6 victory, in which Hill scored two tries. There were numerous posts from public and pundits saying it should have been a red card, but opinion was very much divided.

Former England fly-half Stuart Barnes insisted a yellow card was the correct call, raising concerns over “a lynch mob” mentality.

All eyes were then on the citing commissioner to see if he would take action.

He could have cited on the grounds of it being a red card offence, if he felt there was contact to the head/neck or deemed it to be reckless and dangerous by Hill.

But the RFU have confirmed there is to be no citing, so that is the end of the matter. Second row Hill will now be free to play in this Saturday’s Champions Cup final against Racing 92 and the Gallagher Premiership final versus Wasps on October 24.