Rugby World Cup round-up: Home nations success as Fiji stun Australia
Portugal star Vincent Pinto has been handed a three-match suspension after his controversial red card during his side’s defeat to Wales on Saturday. Pinto was given his marching orders in the 76th minute after the TMO upgraded his yellow to red, prompting a wave of backlash as the officiating at the Rugby World Cup has come under intense scrutiny.
Against Wales, pinto leapt in the air to collect a high kick but stuck his foot out after catching the ball and struck Josh Adams in the face. However, the Portugal winger has been backed up by several ex-professionals who claimed that he did not intend to hurt his opponent, as the decision to upgrade the foul to a red was criticised.
Former England fly-half Andy Goode wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “Worst decision I’ve ever seen to give a red card to Pinto after the bunker review. He’s falling backwards and lost balance whilst looking the other way! What the actual f***?!”
While James Hook, ex-Wales fly-half added: “Never easy in games you’re expected to win but with the players we’ve got we need to be better in attack. Hats off to Portugal, they came to play. Disagree with Pinto red card, what’s he supposed to do?”
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Pinto attended an independent Disciplinary Committee hearing for an offence contrary to Law 9.11: “Players must not do anything that is reckless or dangerous to others…” as a result of a review by the Foul Play Review Official.
At the hearing, he was informed that he would be suspended for three matches, which would be reduced to two if he completes the Coaching Intervention Programme. Should he do so, Pinto could return for Portugal’s clash with Fiji, having denied that he committed an act of foul play – though he can still appeal the decision.
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World Rugby confirmed the suspension, as their statement read: “Having considered all the available evidence, including the application of World Rugby’s Head Contact Process, the submissions by the player and his representative, and all available camera angles and technology, the independent Committee determined that:
“A reckless act of foul play had occurred; the player’s actions involved poor decision-making and a lack of care for the opponent player, which placed the opponent player in a dangerous position; head contact had occurred, and the degree of danger was high; there were no mitigating factors present to bring the sanction down from a red card.
“On that basis and in considering the sanction, the independent Committee applied World Rugby’s mandatory minimum mid-range entry point for foul play, resulting in head contact (six matches). Taking all considerations into account, including the player’s remorse and excellent disciplinary record, the independent Committee determined a maximum mitigation of 50 per cent.”
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