Saracens vs Harlequins: RFU to Review TV Commentary Controversy

Thrilling as the Six Nations was, the return to the regular Premiership action is always a little refreshing. Following the break, the top tier of the domestic game certainly provided a fair share of talking points, from table-toppers Northampton being thumped at Bristol to Gloucester stunning Leicester, in what was a shock result for punters assessing the best new bettingsites.

However, one of the most talked about incidents occurred in Saracens 52-7 demolition of Harlequins. It wasn’t the result that caused such a stir, but rather the potential influence of TV commentary on the TMO official.

Spotted on Social Media

As is often the case in the modern era, social media placed the incident in question firmly under the spotlight. Following the social media snowball effect, the Rugby Football Union and Premiership Rugby are now under pressure to clarify whether TV commentary influences referees’ decisions.

In a statement, the RFU, responsible for all match officials, confirmed that the second-half exchange involving TMO Stuart Terheege would be part of a routine review at the start of the week. Social media users noted that Terheege seemed to opt against reviewing potential foul play after it was highlighted by TNT Sports commentator Austin Healey, following a collision between Stephan Lewies and Owen Farrell.

Of course, it goes without saying that the TMO and on-field referee should never be swayed by any outside influence – including match commentators or co-commentators. To take the views of commentators and co-commentators – who are most often former players – into consideration would open up a can of worms best left firmly closed.

As a rule, TMOs do not wear headphones to listen to the TV Commentary, but they may be within earshot of the commentary teams – depending upon the layout of the broadcast truck. Presumably, that is the situation which unfolded here.

Lewies-Farrell Collision the Catalyst

The instigating moment occurred in the 67th minute when a scuffle broke out between Owen Farrell and Stephan Lewies following a Juan Martin Gonzalez try. Upon watching the replay, it appeared Lewies arrived knees first and late into the ruck, sparking the ire of Farrell and instigating the ensuing controversy. The question then, was whether the on-field referee or TMO official had seen the incident.

Austin Healey, working alongside co-commentators Nick Mullins and Lawrence Dallaglio, remarked upon: “Owen Farrell being upset, and it’s worth another look.” Simultaneously, a voice believed to be Terheege’s requested a replay of the scuffle’s cause. Healey continued: “I think six slides into the ruck really late with both of his knees. Where he hits Farrell could be really interesting.”

Over to you Terheege: “The problem I’ve got now, of course, is it looks like Healey has instigated it, yeah?” Another pause, possibly as on-field referee Christophe Ridley replied, then the voice continued: “Yeah, mate, the problem I have got now, it looks like Austin’s instigating it because we’re late, so I don’t want to talk about it, okay?”

As another replay angle was shown, the voice exclaimed loudly, “Come on, don’t show it because…” before the feed from the microphone carrying his words cut out. Healey commented: “That’s a yellow card, all day long.”

Ego over Professionalism

What becomes of the review remains to be seen, but this is not a good look for the TMO officials – a fact not missed by Healey, who stated on X (formerly Twitter), “Think the TMO has had better days looks like ego got in the way of ruling on foul play.”

Professor John Fairclough of player welfare group Progressive Rugby remarked, “Whatever the reason, it is clear a decision has been taken to ignore foul, reckless, or dangerous play because of concern that it had been highlighted by a pundit. This is hugely concerning and a clear dereliction of a match official’s duty to ensure player safety. An explanation should be sought as a matter of urgency.” We couldn’t have said it better ourselves, Professor.