FERGUS MCFADDEN WAS extremely fortunate to escape a first-half dismissal in this evening’s Guinness Pro14 inter-pro against Ulster for an apparent headbutt on Sean Reidy.
The Leinster winger was involved in an off-the-ball altercation with Reidy as played continued in-field. before the touch judge brought the incident to the attention of referee George Clancy.
A wide camera angle showed McFadden move his head in Reidy’s direction but after video recourse with his Television Match Official [TMO], Clancy was unable to determine where the point of contact was.
There were no other angles available to the officials.
“From what I can see, blue leans in in an aggressive manner but can’t see exactly where he has made the connection,” Clancy said to his TMO, before going back to award a penalty against McFadden for “coming into contact with your opponent in an aggressive manner”.
With McFadden lucky to stay on the pitch, Ulster’s sense of injustice was heightened further when the Ireland international popped up to score Leinster’s second try on the stroke of half-time.
"I'm alright, but I got a headbutt in the face!"
— eir Sport (@eirSport) April 27, 2019
Ulster No 8 Sean Reidy is unhappy with referee George Clancy's decison not to show a card to Leinster's Fergus McFadden following an inconclusive TMO.
#ULSvLEI #GuinnessPRO14 pic.twitter.com/ElGghjpnJA
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