Austin Healey stunned as 'horrendous decision' sees England star avoid red card

"Wow, sorry that is a horrendous decision" - Healey

Bath back-rower Alfie Barbeary was awarded a yellow card for a highly dangerous tackle which infuriated commentator Austin Healey.

Racing 92 visited The Rec on Sunday afternoon for a clash in Pool One of the Champions Cup. After just five minutes, without a point on the scoreboard, the game was plunged into controversy.

Chasing a Finn Russell chip kick into the Racing half, Barbeary lined up Max Spring for a big hit, connecting shoulder to neck at speed. Referee Andrea Pirardi let the game play on, initially believing the hit was made to the shoulder.

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Commentators Nick Mullins and David Flatman thought the same, but Healey disagreed and was certain it was a red-card offence from the get-go.

"That is high for me, they have to look at that. I think his right bicep hits him square in the chops," Healey began.

"He's in trouble here. It starts at a red, if he gets away with a yellow it's lucky.

"That's a red card. I'm sorry - he has got to go for that. He's upright, he's in control of the situation and there's very little mitigation for him I'm afraid."

In the course of making the decision, Pirardi was struggling to view the replay and therefore couldn't properly see the point of contact. TMO Matteo Liperini helped to make the decision due the sun issue on the big screen.

Flatman played devil's advocate as the replays were shown. He said "You could say it's under the jaw, Aus, are we splitting hairs here?"

Healey responded: "I don't think it matters. Neck, chin, jaw - it's a red card. Bath are going to be down to 14. If they're not, they are exceptionally lucky."

Mullins tried to contest the suggestion of a red card offence: "Is there any mitigation in the way that Spring is..."

Healey interjected: "None - zero mitigation. He's got a long run up towards him, so he's got loads of time to change his height. Sorry Nick, it's a red card, he's got to go."

Pirardi concluded that he was not seeing a "high level of danger" and subsequently brandished a yellow for the offence. "Wow," Healey said in response. "Wow, sorry, that is a horrendous decision."

Upon taking another look at the footage, Healey made it known that he was not happy. He added: "We don't need anymore - he hits him with his shoulder in the throat at full tilt. I'm not going to labour the point. It was a red card. It was a mistake. Let's move on."

Bath coach Johann van Graan was asked a few questions by the TNT Sports team during the match and was asked about the Barbeary call being fortunate. He simply replied: "No comment."

You can watch the clip below.