Safety first as red cards rise to an all-time high

Peter Jackson finds that only Ireland kept on the right side of every referee as the game gets to grips with improved safety

Red cards across Europe’s three major Leagues have doubled in seven seasons, from 37 to an all-time high of 76.
The total, including those rescinded in the cases of England full-back Freddie Steward and Toulon flanker Charles Ollivon, reflect the game’s zero-tolerance on avoidable contact to the head and other dangerous collisions.

Wrong call: England full-back Freddie Steward is sent off against Ireland
PICTURES: Getty Images

And yet for all the reds strewn all ar...

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