The Secret Ref weighs in on the debate – to retake or not to retake
Paolo Garbisi kicks for Italy (Getty Images)
After the late drama of France and Italy drawing, fly-half Paolo Garbisi was very mature, telling the cameras that “I take full responsibility for that” missed penalty to win the match. However, many are asking if Italy should have been allowed to retake the kick.
Many took to social media to discuss the moment – some bemoaning shot clocks, some wishing simply to console Garbisi about the misfortune of the ball falling off the tee, and others to query whether the Italy playmaker should have been allowed to retake the kick.
And since this moment, our resident former elite official, the Secret Ref, has sent in some thoughts on whether there should have been a retake of the Italy kick.
Secret Ref on calls to retake Italy kick
Secret Ref has written of the end of the France-Italy match: “There’s so much going on here, unpicking it is quite a challenge… Let’s ignore for a moment that the ball falls off the tee.
“For me there are two clear French issues that required looking at. The first is that there are water-carriers on the field which is not allowed at a penalty and they are clearly moving in the eyeline of the kicker. Then, there are two occasions where the players charge the kicker which is also not allowed, especially when held back by the referee.
“Christophe Ridley had a very good game, but I’d like it if he had stopped the whole thing – the clock, everything – and settled everyone down, sent the water-carriers from the field and allowed Garbisi to kick without the unfair pressure. Some referees would have actually allowed him to take the kick again but to do that in your first Six Nations game at 13-13 and the clock over 80-minutes, would be huge! So I can understand why not.”
What has been said on social media
There is an interesting mix of views on social media.
Just checking ref channels re the Garbisi kick. Widespread puzzlement that two French players allowed to advance on the kicker – who was also distracted by his own no 6 walking around. Referee deemed to have had a v good match though
If you swapped the jerseys around, that penalty is either getting retaken, or the shot clock is being stopped after the encroachment. #FRAvITAhttps://t.co/j8loMIIPg4
Watching the replay, Garbisi should have been given a second chance to kick the winner. There's French players within 10m, one charges at him a second or two before he kicks it
Others wished to show support for the magnanimous Italians.
Absolute class from Italy coaches. Both Quesada and Goosen saying refs can make errors in pressure cooker atmosphere, rather than ranting at Christophe Ridley for overlooking the fact Garbisi should have been allowed to retake the penalty because France players moved.
Laws only state that "the opposing team must stand still with their hands by their sides from the time the kicker starts to approach to kick until the ball is kicked."
Movements came before Garbisi started his run-up. Deeply unsporting but not sure the ref could order a retake.
This hour shows exactly why fans should play only a tiny part in law changes. Some crazed takes on why the shot clock needs to go. A few months ago Farrell kicking a pen a second too late was met with similar cries in the other direction.
But all in, there was plenty of interest around another big Six Nations moment. Referee Christophe Ridley also comes out of his first match with huge credit.
What could have been – Italy were so close to making history and getting a first ever win over France, but the margins are so close.
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