Ref says Foley to blame for penalty
REFEREE Mathieu Raynal has owned his controversial decision at the end of this month’s first Test between Australia and New Zealand, saying he takes “100 per cent responsibility” for the controversial penalty.
The Frenchman penalised Wallabies fly-half Bernard Foley on September 15 for time wasting in the final minute of their defeat to the All Blacks in Melbourne.
The hosts were leading by three points at the time but conceded a late try to lose the opening Bledisloe Cup fixture.
“I take total responsibility for what I did, 100 per cent,” Raynal said after being named French rugby’s referee of the season.
“I had a necessary reason for making the decision, even if it was a strong one which caused people to talk.
“I try to do what is That’s at the
the most fair. heart of my job.
“Sometimes it creates tensions, frustrations, arguments but I take responsibility over what I do.”
Veteran Foley said after the game he did not waste time, claiming he was unable to hear Raynal’s on-field instructions at the 56,000-capacity Marvel Stadium.
“I told a player five times to kick the ball to touch. I couldn’t do otherwise,” Raynal said.
“It’s not me who decided to make the decision, it was the player who forced me to make it.” Australia coach Dave Rennie slammed the decision, saying he had “never seen a call like that, at any level”.
“I had a discussion with him which was very sincere and honest,” Raynal said. “He was satisfied by the refereeing during the entirety of the match. Obviously we didn’t agree on the final decision.
“I can guarantee we had a calm conversation.”