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England rapped over referee
26.02.09
England were today rebuked by rugby chiefs for claiming referee Jonathan Kaplan was affected by Wales putting "heaps of pressure" on him before the match in Cardiff.
Backs coach Brian Smith made the claim on Monday in response to the South African official handing yellow cards to Mike Tindall and Andy Goode during England's 23-15 defeat the previous week but the International Rugby Board have branded those comments "regrettable and unfortunate".
In a statement, the IRB said: "Comments made by a member of the England management that appear to question the performance of the referee were unwarranted.
"The official performance review of the match ranks Kaplan's overall performance as high and the IRB are satisfied that Kaplan followed the correct protocol for addressing both teams.
"An official process exists for Unions to give feedback to the IRB on refereeing performances."
Reader views (1)
In the circumstances perhaps Smith should stand down and prove himself again before having another chance at his role. Lets see him in charge of backs in competition with someone else and then pick somebody else entirely. Sounds familiar, yes but not in management.
- Jack Spratt, Richmond, England
