The Scotland centre got carded for a deliberate knock-on against Ireland
Patient and powerful Ireland triumphed 31-16 against Scotland clash in the Autumn Nations Cup, but much of the chat around the match may come down to a Duncan Taylor yellow card in the 31-minute mark.
Take a look at this clip here. What do you think about it?
It’s safe to say, the decision by referee Matthew Carley drew some interesting views on social media. Here are a few of the reactions on Twitter.
?????????
— Brian O'Driscoll (@BrianODriscoll) December 5, 2020
We have some former international players making their views pretty clear…
There are also the views on the overall context of the referee’s decision.
@Scotlandteam falling apart in Dublin, momentum changed when Duncan Taylor was yellow carded.
— Richard Cairns (@richard0464) December 5, 2020
And then there are those spectators who just do not think it is a yellow card offence…
How can they say Duncan Taylor deliberately knocker that on? Think that's harsh. Let alone a yellow card for it. #IREvSCO
— Gregg ??????? (@GreggC_CC) December 5, 2020
…and those who do.
Has to be yellow. #IREvSCO
— Three Red Kings (@threeredkings) December 5, 2020
Clear as mud, maybe, but it is also maybe worth asking what the big moment says about the Scotland team though? Below, Jamie Borthwick lays out his won views.
You can read the brief report of what happened in the match as Ireland finsh third in the Autumn Nations Cup.
Though it was a crap call to bin Duncan Taylor, for it to affect Scotland for almost the next 50 minutes was worrying. Great start but the repeated mental lapses after the yellow let Ireland off the hook. Overall a poor result and performance.
— Jamie Borthwick (@jamiekborthwick) December 5, 2020
Of course, whenever a moment like this happens, there is always the funnier approach to the major decisions.
Duncan Taylor yellow carded for tripping over the TV cables and killing @primevideosport stream. 10 minutes in the TV to repair it.
— The Pen (@thepenGW) December 5, 2020
You have to actually make contact with the ball carrier for a tackle. Sticking an arm in the way of a pass isn't a tackle.
— Tim O'Connor (@timoconnorbl) December 5, 2020
All we can deduce from the reaction on social media is that there will always be a clear divide between those who think it is a yellow and those who thought it was a penalty at most. That’s sport!
That's an abysmal decision to yellow card Duncan Taylor. Really, really poor.
— Andy Burke (@AndyBurke_) December 5, 2020
What did you think of the incident? Did you think the Scotland and Saracens centre deserved to spend ten minutes in the sin-bin?
It is also worth noting that this was Taylor’s first ever yellow card at Test level.
Can’t get to the shops? You can download the digital edition of Rugby World straight to your tablet or subscribe to the print edition to get the magazine delivered to your door.
Follow Rugby World on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.