Johan Grobbelaar became the second Vodacom Bulls player controversially sent off in as many weeks in a URC clash. Which dismissal was the most absurd?
He was shown a red card in Friday’s narrow defeat to the Scarlets in Llanelli, following centre David Kriel’s dismissal against the Ospreys a week earlier.
Grobbelaar’s red came in the 66th minute after a collision with Marnus van der Merwe, who had fallen into the Bulls hooker while evading another tackle. Despite the accidental nature of the incident, referee Federico Vedovelli, after consulting the TMO, sent Grobbelaar off.
HAVE YOUR SAY BELOW!
It’s déjà vu for the Vodacom Bulls in Wales 😲🟥
📺 Stream #VURC on DStv: https://t.co/0P0NNho4A4 pic.twitter.com/cnnHqwikEU
— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) October 18, 2024
This echoed Kriel’s dismissal, which was later rescinded after a disciplinary hearing determined the contact was incidental, not malicious. Kriel had initially cleared a hand-off, but the decision was overturned after review, sparking debate over the consistency of officiating.
David Kriel is sent off 🟥
What are your thoughts on this moment? 👇
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— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) October 12, 2024
The frustration deepens as Scarlets lock Sam Lousi escaped punishment for a no-arms tackle on Bulls lock Cobus Wiese on Friday at Parc y Scarlets.
Grobbelaar = 🟥
This tackle = Play on… 🤷♂️🤪pic.twitter.com/Ml4hdSFnF0
— SA Rugby magazine (@SARugbymag) October 18, 2024
Photo: Chris Fairweather/Gallo Images