Haupeakui sees Red in Glasgow debut

Some controversial officiating made for a memorable Guinness Pro 12 debut for Langi Haupeakui. The US Eagles no8 came off the bench in the 55th minute during Glasgow’s 31-14 win over Benetton Treviso at Scotstoun Stadium on Friday. He made an immediate impact with a thunderous carry but just as quickly fell foul of referee David Wilkinson. A heavy tackle in the 62nd minute was judged to have been a shoulder charge and Haupeakui was shown yellow.

After returning from the sin bin the Sacramento export looked keen to get involved again and even showed some decent hands with a nice pass. Before full-time, however, the referee would call his number once again. Another thumping tackle went in and after a television review it was again deemed to be a no-arms tackle by the referee. A second yellow card was brandished which meant it had to be accompanied by a red. Fans were not the only ones questioning the two calls.

Glasgow head coach Gregor Townsend was bemused by the officiating decisions following the game.

“We’re really disappointed with the first yellow card, especially. We saw the replay and Langi’s used his arms in a good, low tackle. It was a double tackle and his impact wasn’t that strong – it was Ryan Wilson who created most of the impact, so maybe that’s what the referee has seen.”

Red cards typically result in an automatic suspension but Townsend is adamant that Glasgow will appeal.

“I will have to work out the process because it was two yellows, not a straight red. We will argue very strongly about the first yellow card, we saw the arms were used. We want our players to tackle low and use their arms and that is what he did.“