Thorley's red card raises eyebrows
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The trend of issuing red cards continued this weekend with Gloucester winger Ollie Thorley given his marching orders during his side’s clash against Wasps – a decision which has left many somewhat perplexed.
Gloucester recorded their third win of the season as they pipped Wasps 20-19 at the Ricoh arena, but referee Matthew Carley’s decision to send Thorley has risen as a major talking point of the match.
Thorley collided with Wasps fullback Rob Miller – the former knocking himself out in the process – and, while having his HIA test, was issued a red card.
The reaction on social media has been significant:
28' | 🟥
— Gloucester Rugby (@gloucesterrugby) March 6, 2021
Ollie Thorley is shown a red card for a head on head collision.
🐝 0 - 7 🍒 | #WASvGLO
Ollie Thorley red card, my god😂😂
— Jack Nowell (@nowellsy15) March 6, 2021
Well what on earth has happened here Ollie Thorley has been sent off for what looked a head on head collision between him and Miller.
— The Wasps Report (@TheWaspsReport) March 6, 2021
That looks very harsh to me. Big slice of luck for Wasps.
Not seen that before. A player sent off while already off having a HIA. Gloucester wing Ollie Thorley the player to be red carded for head-on-head contact as he went to tackle Wasps full-back Rob Miller. Actually came off worse in the collision.
— Simon Thomas (@simonrug) March 6, 2021
Very very harsh call for my money Simon. Not in the same hemisphere as the London Irish one last night.
— John Pearce 🏴 (@JPearce_JP) March 6, 2021
Rugby has to be able to differentiate between red cards for head contact like that from Thorley (accidental in my view) and Hepetema last night.
— Ian Price (@goatteeboy) March 6, 2021
Intentional doesn’t come into incident with a head on head. Agree it was a tough call, but if thorley drops his height then there’s no red and no chance of a head on head. He instigates it, Matt Carley handled it well. Went through it to the letter of the law
— Guy Thompson (@GuyThompson87) March 6, 2021
