Argentina player could face ban for abusing match officials at end of England game
Argentina fly half Tomas Albornoz has been charged with misconduct and faces a disciplinary hearing after “remonstrating with match officials” follow his side’s defeat to England in Santiago del Estero.
Albornoz was denied a chance to kick for a potential draw after a last-minute try was ruled out by referee Angus Gardner in consultation with television match official (TMO) Brett Cronan.
The officials ruled that Bautista Delguy had grounded the ball simultaneously on the try-line and corner flag, and thus not scored, as England held on for a 31-24 victory.
Albornoz appeared to approach Gardner and his assistants aggressively thereafter, and has now been charged by World Rugby under its Match Official Abuse Sanction Process,
The details of his disciplinary hearing will be released in due course.
“The Match Official Abuse Sanction Process was introduced to complement Regulation 18 and provide a clearer and more consistent framework for addressing public criticism of match officials, particularly where such comments may contribute to wider online abuse,” World Rugby explained in a statement.
“Developed by a cross-game working group including competition owner, match official playing and coaching representation and championed by Union CEOs, the process reflects a unified commitment to support and protect match officials.”
Argentina were disappointed that Delguy’s try was chalked off, and that no penalty try was awarded for an apparent high tackle by Noah Caluori.
Head coach Felipe Contepomi later accused the visitors of showing a “lack of respect” after abruptly leaving his press conference with England playing celebratory music nearby.
