Tonight's rugby amid South African call for referee to be banned after controversy

South African call for referee to be banned

A South African news publication has launched a remarkable attack on referee Paul Williams after his officiating of the Australia v Springboks match.

The South African is demanding New Zealander Williams be banned from refereeing elite international matches going forward, accusing him of bringing shame on the sport.

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It cites a series of grievances from the game, including the decision to yellow card Faf de Klerk for "striking" opposite number Nic White and the failure to penalise Marika Koroibete for a perceived shoulder charge when making a try-saving tackle. White has come under fire for his theatrical reaction in the de Klerk incident, dropping to his knees and grasping at his face after what looked only the slightest of contact.

The article also accuses Williams of continually allowing the Wallabies to use "spoiling tactics" and claims the 'Boks could twice have been awarded a penalty try.

It adds: "Paul Williams bought into play-acting from Australia scrum-half Nic White, whose actions have no place in the sport at all. Williams and White bring the game into disrepute.

"Williams has brought shame onto the game of rugby with one of the worst officiating displays in modern rugby. Williams’ diabolical decision-making robbed the Springboks of momentum and points and changed the nature of the game. This referee has no place taking charge of big games and should be banished to the bush leagues for the rest of his days."

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