Watson brands his red card comments ‘poor’ while endorsing rugby player safety
Hamish Watson has stressed the importance of players’ health and safety following his remarks about Zander Fagerson’s red card during Scotland’s Guinness Six Nations defeat by Wales.
Fagerson, the Scotland prop, was sent off for dangerous play when he charged into a ruck and caught the head of Wales’
Wyn Jones with his shoulder.
In the aftermath of the game, which Scotland lost 25-24, Watson described referee Matthew Carley’s decision as a “rubbish call”. The Scotland flanker said Fagerson’s ruck clear-out did not even merit a penalty, let alone a red card. “We, as players, strongly disagree with that call,” said Watson. “As soon as I saw it on the TV, I was thinking, ‘That’s not even a penalty’. We don’t think it’s a red, a yellow or even a penalty. But that’s the way the game is going.”
However, having had time to reflect on the incident, Watson has issued a more measured response.
Replying to a video of his original remarks posted by STV, the Edinburgh player tweeted: “Poor comments from me, emotions were very high after losing a very tight match. Players’ health is paramount.” Fagerson will face a disciplinary hearing this evening via video conference. The prop is accused of infringing Law 9.20 (a) & (b) which states: “A player must not charge into a ruck or maul. Charging includes any contact made without binding on to another player in the ruck or maul. A player must not make contact with an opponent above the line of the shoulders.”