Rugby

McKee has no issues with referee Ben O'Keefe

September 22, 2019 10:00 am

Flying Fijians Coach John McKee says he had no complaints regarding the refereeing of the Fiji and Wallabies match last night.

While responding to questions in a post-match conference McKee acknowledged that the job of a referee is tough and he did not have any issues in this area.

Maybe we didnt get a rub of the green today but we’ve got no complaints today.

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There is a huge uproar on social media regarding the tackle by Reece Hodge on Peceli Yato which sent him off the field in the first half.

Rugby pundits all over the world are questioning World Rugby’s commitment to clamp down high tackles after Hodge escaped sanction for concussing Yato.

The incident occurred in the 26th minute of Australia’s 39-21 victory when Yato broke down the short side of a lineout.

Hodge came across and made contact with Yato’s head with his shoulder without using his arms.

Given that his intervention prevented a certain try, it seemed to be a clearcut red card and penalty try, which could have changed the course of the match particularly as Fiji was leading 11-7.

The tackle was not seen by New Zealand referee Ben O’Keefe.

Captain Dominiko Waqaniburotu confirmed that he referred the incident to the referee.

We did refer it to the ref but they said they need to look at the TMO and we are waiting for a decision on that.

Yato will not be available for Fiji’s match against Uruguay due to a concussion from a tackle that is still being questioned by many.

Fiji will take on Uruguay at 5.15pm Wednesday.