Revolting tackle almost decapitates Pumas player in Tri-Nations shocker
Today’s Tri-Nations clash saw one of the most brutal sending offs we’ve ever seen.
The revolting moment occurred in the second half in a match which had up to then been a hard-fought, ill-disciplined encounter where both sides almost had men sent off for reckless clearouts.
There was no question as to whether this moment was a red card, however, as Wallabies replacement, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto was sent from the field for this shocking challenge.
The game had already had some controversial moments as Michael Hooper saw himself sin-binned in the first half for a wild clear-out that had been deemed to connect with an opponents head. Some fans on social media called for a red – but referee, Angus Gardner, only saw fit to award a yellow.
Earlier in the half, a Pumas player almost suffered the same fate but escaped with only conceding a penalty for his side.
The Argentinians were by far the better side in the first half and built a lead going into the break after this sensational breakaway try from winger, Bautista Delguy.
Brilliant finish from @unionargentina pic.twitter.com/tBEBmV3d99
— Edward Barker (@EdwardB24376757) December 5, 2020
After building this lead, it seemed like the South Americans were destined to record a second victory of their Tri-Nations campaign.
As the half wore on, the Pumas kept their advantage when this shocking moment occurred.
Watch the revolting Salakaia-Loto tackle in the link below.
RED CARD for LSL#AUSvARG pic.twitter.com/i1ymzhp8sU
— Steve Lenthall (@steve_l15) December 5, 2020
We see as the Wallabies forward rushes up in defence and connects with a shoulder to the face in a sickening collision that immediately had the Argentinan players appealing to the referee.
You can see that he is attempting to wrap his arms in the tackle but unfortunately that isn’t much help when you’re hitting him square between the eyes.
Fans on social media didn’t hold back in their outrage over this sickening tackle.
#AUSvARG you heard the referee say direct contact shoulder with the head Red card for Loto, that is no different to the Michael Hooper decision. Australia should be playing with 13.
— Tim McGuire (@TimMcGuire9) December 5, 2020
Just at the Salakaia-Loto red card in the #AUSvARG game. How brain dead do you have to bloody be to still do a shot like that under the current laws?
— Gregg 🏴 (@GreggC_CC) December 5, 2020
Salakaia-Loto gets a red card for dangerous tackle and cue the usual Twitter backlash of “rugby has gone soft”, “soccer” etc. His tackle height was at the shoulder/head of the 2nd row. That’s over 6ft from the ground!! Not too difficult to bring that tackle height down! #AUSvARG
— Yanni Mac (@imacca77) December 5, 2020
What were your thoughts on this tackle? Has rugby gone soft or do you agree with the majority in thinking this was a clear red card?
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