Upstream of the Top 14 semi-finals, this weekend in Lyon, the LNR steering committee confirmed the adoption of light red card in its championships next season. However, it will be orange in color for the concern of readability of arbitration decisions.
The National Rugby League (LNR) finally decided to enter into the rank. Last May, after an experimental phase carried out in particular in the Super Rugby or the 6 Nations Tournament, World Rugby announced the generalization of the Red Card test “Lightened”Synonymous with the player’s final expulsion but also of his replacement by a teammate after 20 minutes, in “All elite competitions”. A measure to which the LNR had opposed alongside the French Rugby Federation (FFR) and the Union of Proval Players.
However, its steering committee has resolved to set up this measure in the coming weeks. Indeed, through a press release, the ruling body of French professional rugby confirmed the adoption of this experimental rule next season during the Top 14 and Pro D2 matches. “This decision will be made by the central arbitrator directly on the ground”specifies the LNR.
An orange card set up
The latter adds that “The applicable disciplinary procedure will be the same as that linked to the final red card”. So, “Each situation will be examined by the disciplinary committee and regulations” and could lead to a suspension according to the severity of the facts. Since its experimental implementation, this new rule involves a single red card with the referee who must specify if it is “Lightened” or final. Faced with a concern for readability of the arbitration decision for spectators and viewers, the LNR leaders have thought about a solution. This will not pass a third box made available to the referees.
“In order to facilitate public understanding, the 20 -minute red card will be reported by an orange card”announces the league in its press release. While French internationals have already been able to get an idea of the application of this new measure, with in particular a controversy around the Irishman Bundee Aki, all professional players will discover it from the start of next season.
