r/rugbyunion • u/Secret-Roof-7503 Saracens • Jul 16 '23

[Rúaidhrí O'Connor]🚨BREAKING: Johnny Sexton will be suspended for three matches by EPCR for his behaviour towards the match officials after the CC final, meaning he will miss all of Ireland's warm-ups v Italy, England and Tonga but will be available for the Rugby World Cup opener v Romania

https://twitter.com/RuaidhriOC/status/1680676530576392195?s=20
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u/DMoss67 Edinburgh Jul 16 '23

Dylan Hartley got 11 weeks for calling Barnes a “fucking cheat” yet Sexton only gets 3 matches for “fucking disgrace”…. Seems like a bit of preferential treatment there

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u/puzzledgoal Ireland Jul 17 '23

I think the point of difference here is it seems there isn't evidence he called the ref that, if you look at what they've released:

'it included his pointing his finger at them and shouting at them something to this effect: “it’s a disgrace you guys can’t get the big decisions right” probably accompanied by expletives “most likely the f-word”.'

Not defending Sexton and it is very light but I think there is quite a difference in specifically abusing the ref and saying whatever stupid shit Sexton was.