Former Ireland flanker Stephen Ferris has branded Kieran Treadwell’s controversial sin-binning against the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld an “absolute joke”.
The Premier Sports pundit also believes the TMO decision with 15 minutes remaining effectively cost Ulster an opportunity to go on and win the game.
Only four points separated the sides when second row forward Treadwell was yellow carded for an apparent high tackle on Bulls winger Kurt-Lee Arendse.
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Treadwell was shocked by the decision, which was made after a lengthy check, and the South Africans went on to take full advantage, Johan Grobbelaar barging over for a try two minutes later.
Arendse went on to add salt to the wound, running home an intercept try to ensure a bonus point 34-16 win for the Bulls.
“It’s an absolute joke, it is a complete joke,” said Ferris in the Premier Sports studio.
“Kieran Treadwell hits the ball with his shoulder and when he hits the ball with the shoulder, there’s a little bit of head movement.
“You can clearly see it’s on the ball and if anything his face (Arendse’s face) brushed the jersey and there is no direct impact to the head. None whatsoever.
“You can freeze frame it all you want, but play it in real time and for me that isn’t even a penalty. Yes, a couple of inches higher it’s a really dangerous tackle.
“That’s what we’re trying to get away from, but if this is going to be a yellow card going forward?
“And what happens two minutes afterwards? Maul try, Grobbelaar. And for me that was the game.”
Ferris’ frustration was echoed by former Springboks captain Bob Skinstad who said: “It actually ruined the last 20 minutes as a spectacle
“Look, player welfare is paramount, but for me that’s a jobsworth role where he (the TMO) has got absolutely no place getting involved there.
“That is literally cause and effect, it’s rugby and he (Treadwell) has made a tackle. I don’t think there was a smart or technically proficient piece of adjudication.
“I’m sad because the game was coming into its own. It was exciting, Ulster had just scored. I’m not happy with that.
“You can hide behind protecting the head and say let’s stop for every tiny little brush of an elbow going past some guy’s neck area by mistake.
“Literally, you could be playing touch rugby and hit someone with your elbow so I don’t think we should be called back for that kind of thing. Ever again. It’s ridiculous.”
Former Ulster favourite Marcell Coetzee scored one of four second half tries as the Bulls overturned a 3-9 half-time deficit in Pretoria.
Ulster conceded 17 unanswered points after the break before a Luke Marshall try brought them back into the game.
But then Treadwell was harshly yellow carded in the 66th minute, Grobbelaar bundled over soon after and the rapid Arendse scored a late breakaway to seal the win.
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