Wales flanker Tommy Reffell was shown a yellow card for a dangerous tackle, with TNT Sports opting not to broadcast a replay of the incident.
In a tense moment during the game, Northampton Saints number eight Sam Graham appeared to be in serious pain after being caught in a precarious tackle by a rappel and play was stopped as the player struggled to the ground.
Referee Anthony Woodthorpe, noticing the downed player’s pain, immediately stopped the match. The painful footage also included Graham’s screams captured by the referee’s microphone.
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Further examination of the match footage revealed that Graham’s legs were twisted in a disturbingly unnatural way, causing alarm among viewers and commentators alike.
A commentary team consisting of Nick Mullins, Austin Healy and David Flatman provided their opinion on the broadcast.
“I thought it was hugely influenced by Tommy Reffell,” Flatman said.
“Sam Graham is in a lot of pain.” Mullins interjected.
“The moment you see it, you think it’s a huge shoulder bump to his knee. I really hope it’s just a horrible dead leg,” Flatman said, expressing his concerns.
Mullins acknowledged the disturbing nature of the footage, concluding, “I’m not going to show it because it’s not enjoyable to watch again.”
Referee Woodthorpe explained the reasons for Reffell’s dismissal to Tigers captain Julian Montoya. “The tackle is illegal because he’s already on his knees. Tommy, you’re the one who tackled him. He’s on his knees when he makes the tackle, so it’s an illegal tackle and it’s dangerous, so that’s what will happen.” “We understand it’s a finish, but he needs to get up to make the tackle.”
Despite Reffell’s objections, he reluctantly left the pitch. Healy supported the Welshman’s position, arguing: “I understand it’s foul play to make a tackle while he’s on the ground. That’s totally fine. But he wasn’t on the floor yet. He went to the floor to make a tackle. That’s not the same,” he said.
Graham walked off the field to applause from the crowd. In the end, the Tigers won the game, winning 24-8.
The extent of the injury is currently unknown. Commenting on the incident, Saints manager Phil Dowson said: “He’s obviously very depressed, he’s in a lot of pain, he’s going through a lot of pain relief. That’s part of the game, not a good part of the game.”
“He’s been really good to us and we want to look after him and get him back on his feet and playing as soon as possible.”
