Brian Moore warns World Rugby over Argentina referee claims
Brian Moore has urged World Rugby to fully investigate serious post-match accusations against Argentina after their Nations Championship clash with England, warning that making light of alleged referee abuse and contact with official Angus Gardner would abrogate the governing body's responsibilities.
Key Takeaways
- Brian Moore says World Rugby must probe reports of post-match abuse toward referee Angus Gardner.
- Argentina fly-half Tomas Albornoz was seen making physical contact with Gardner after a late try was ruled out.
- England won 31-24 in a Nations Championship match that featured seven yellow cards and heated scenes.
- World Rugby is investigating Argentina players' conduct, according to reporting from Australia.
- Moore also criticised Argentina's 1986 football-inspired kit as a needless provocative gesture.
What did Brian Moore say about the Argentina accusations?
Writing in his Telegraph column, as reported by Planet Rugby, former England hooker Brian Moore argued the most serious issues came after full-time, not the on-field pushing and shoving.
Moore said he disliked Albornoz making light contact with Gardner after a potentially match-tying try was ruled out. "Barge opponents all you want, but players should never be allowed to lay a hand on officials," he wrote.
He also pointed to reports that Gardner faced abuse after the game and that something was thrown at him from the crowd as he left the field.
Why does World Rugby's response matter now?
"World Rugby has a duty to fully investigate these reports and, if there is any truth to them, sanction Argentina in a meaningful way," Moore wrote. He warned rugby cannot leave officials vulnerable in complex, highly charged matches.
Moore said he fears the governing body may want to make light of the claims. Doing so, he argued, would discourage people from officiating and amount to abrogating its responsibilities, as attracting officials is already getting harder.
Sydney Morning Herald reporting says World Rugby is investigating Argentina players' actions toward Gardner after the Santiago contest, with match officials providing statements through post-match processes.
What sparked the flashpoint between Argentina and England?
England held on for a 31-24 Nations Championship win after Argentina were denied a late try that could have levelled the scores. Argentinian players were then seen arguing with Gardner, and Albornoz made physical contact with the Australian referee.
Reports also describe an object thrown toward Gardner from the crowd as he exited amid jeers. SMH sources said Albornoz was told "Hey, hey, hey, don't, don't" by Gardner, later confronted assistant referee Paul Williams, and spiked the ball near officials, while coaching staff helped shield the referee.
Earlier tension included Argentina's kit referencing the 1986 football team linked to Diego Maradona's "Hand of God" goal against England. Moore called that a "needless provocative gesture" that should not have been allowed. The match also saw seven yellow cards and several player flashpoints, including incidents involving Mateo Carreras, Tommy Freeman and Ollie Chessum.
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