Freddie Steward’s red card against Ireland is VOID after the England full-back was controversially sent off for a clash with Hugo Keenan in the Six Nations defeat
Freddie Steward has had the red card he received in England’s Six Nations final with Ireland rescinded in a decision that could yet have significant ramifications for the way rugby union is refereed.
The England and Leicester winger Steward was sent off in Dublin after colliding with the head of his counterpart Hugo Keenan and was deemed to have made a dangerous tackle. Following the match at the Aviva Stadium, it was widely acknowledged by rugby pundits that Steward could have done little to get out of the way and avoid contact with Keenan.
However, referee Jaco Peyper sent him off, although a Six Nations disciplinary panel confirmed on Wednesday morning that the red card should have been yellow.
Therefore, Steward will not serve any suspension and can return to play immediately, although his escape is too late for England, as his sending off in Ireland was one of the key moments of the match.
With Steward out of the field for the second half, England played to 14 men and then dropped briefly to 13 when Jack Willis was sent into the sin bin. Steve Borthwick’s team was defeated 29-16 by Ireland, which sealed a Grand Slam.
England full-back Freddie Steward’s red card against Ireland has reportedly been rescinded
A Six Nations statement read: “The player denied committing any act of foul play worthy of a red card.
“Having reviewed all the evidence, the committee decided that there were sufficient mitigating factors, including the late change in dynamics and positioning of the opposing player that should have resulted in a yellow card instead of a red card.”
“On that basis, the committee did not confirm the red card and the player can return to play immediately.”
Steward’s escape from suspension is good news for Leicester because it means he will be available for the Tigers in their upcoming European and Premiership battles. But in a broader context, he raises questions about whether a player should always be sent off if he makes contact with an opposing player’s head.
That has increasingly become the norm as rugby union seeks to ensure it protects its players from the risks of concussion and serious brain injury. But there is now a growing consensus that the way the game should be refereed should be less black and white and that there should be more allowances for mitigating factors.