SANZAAR have issued Reds number eight Harry Wilson a “reminder” to be careful of his public comments after the star slammed referee Brendon Pickerill for his management of Connor Vest’s neck injury.
The incident took place last weekend in Dunedin where Vest took an awkward contact to his head that resulted in a broken neck.
Wilson claimed earlier in the week that Pickerill who was officiating the game “disrespected” the injury by rushing Vest to the point where he walked off the field before later finding out that his neck was broken.
Pickerill not in the wrong
SANZAAR conducted a review that saw no wrongdoing in the actions of Pickerill and concluded that there was no foul play in the tackle.
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“Super Rugby Pacific has concluded a review of the incident involving an injury to Connor Vest of the Reds during the weekend’s match [Friday 26 May] between the Highlanders and Reds at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin,” said a SANZAAR statement. “Vest was injured during a tackle in the 28th minute of the match.
“The review has found that at no stage did the Match Referee, Brendon Pickerill, attempt to hurry the review of the injury or the removal of the player from the field… the incident was also reviewed post match by the independent Citing Commissioner who found no foul play had occurred by the tacklers.”
“Factually incorrect”
The statement also slammed Wilson’s comments labelling them as “factually incorrect” and reminded Wallaby to take care with his comments in the media space.
“The comments attributed to Harry Wilson of the Reds in the media are factually incorrect and whilst they may have been well intending in support of a teammate, he has been issued with a reminder that care must be taken with public comments not to impair the public confidence in the integrity of match officials.”