‘The replay is not pleasant’ – TNT Sports refuse to show footage as rugby star leaves on crutches after horror injury
TNT SPORTS refused to show footage as a rugby star was forced to leave the field on crutches after a horror injury.
The incident occurred on Saturday during the Gallagher Premiership rugby clash between Leicester Tigers and Northampton Saints.
It saw new Tigers boss Michael Cheika bag his first home win as the hosts secured a 24-8 victory.
Handre Pollard helped himself to three conversions and a penalty in the rout.
But the result was overshadowed by a horror injury and sin bin.
Leicester flanker Tommy Reffell was given the yellow for his tackle on Northampton’s Sam Graham.
The No8 crashed to the ground awkwardly and was in visible pain as he rolled on the floor.
One of his legs had bent the opposite way when coming down from the challenge.
And Graham could even be heard crying out on the ref’s mic.
TNT Sports then refused to show any replays, with commentator David Flatman saying: “I thought it was a hell of an impact there from Reffell.
“Immediately when you see that, you think it’s a massive shoulder impact on his knee.”
Fellow commentator Nick Mullins added: “Sam Graham is in a lot of pain. The replay is not a pleasant one so we are not going to show you it.”
Tigers star Reffell was then bemused as he was shown a yellow card for a dangerous tackle, with the Welshman claiming it was legal as Graham was stretchered off the pitch.
But ref Anthony Woodthorpe was adamant it was illegal and was heard explaining his decision on the mic, with Graham later appearing on crutches.
He told Reffell and Leicester captain Julian Montoya: “The tackle is illegal because he’s already on his knees. Tommy, you’re the man who made the tackle.
“He’s on his knees when he makes his tackle, so it’s an illegal tackle and a dangerous action, so it’s going to be a yellow card.
“We understand it’s a wrap but he needs to be on his feet to make the tackle.”
TNT pundit Austin Healy backed Reffell though, adding: “I understand it’s foul play if you are on the floor and you make a tackle.
“But he wasn’t already on the floor. He went to the floor to make the tackle, that’s not the same.”