Rugby World Cup star banned for kung fu kick after referees savaged for ‘worst decision’
After receiving a contentious red card during his team’s Saturday loss to Wales, Portugal star Vincent Pinto was given a three-match suspension. Pinto was dismissed in the 76th minute after the TMO changed his yellow card to a red one, setting off a wave of criticism as the Rugby World Cup’s officiating has come under severe scrutiny.
Pinto jumped into the air to grab a high kick from Wales, but after catching the ball, he pushed his foot out and hit Josh Adams in the face. The decision to raise the offence to a red was criticized; nonetheless, the Portugal winger has been backed up by other ex-professionals who said that he did not want to damage his opponent.
Former England fly-half Andy Goode wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “Worst decision I’ve ever seen to give a red card to Pinto after the bunker review. He’s falling backwards and lost balance whilst looking the other way! What the actual f***?!”
While former Wales fly-half James Hook added: “With the quality we have, we need to be better in attack. It’s never easy in games you’re expected to win. Portugal deserves praise; they arrived to play. What should Pinto do if he receives a red card?
Pinto appeared before an independent Disciplinary Committee for violating Law 9.11, which states that “Players must not act recklessly or in a way that endangers others.” as a consequence of the Foul Play Review Official’s evaluation.
He was advised at the hearing that he would face a three-match suspension, which would be reduced to two if he successfully completed the Coaching Intervention Programme. Pinto has denied any wrongdoing, but he has the right to appeal the ruling. Should he do so, he might participate in Portugal’s match against Fiji.
In a statement, World Rugby confirmed the suspension: “Having taken into account all the relevant evidence, including the use of World Rugby’s Head Contact Process, the player’s and his representative’s submissions, and the use of all appropriate camera angles and technology, the independent Committee found that:
“A reckless act of foul play had taken place; the player’s actions showed poor decision-making and a lack of consideration for the opponent player, placing the latter in a dangerous situation; head contact had taken place, and the degree of danger was high; there were no mitigating circumstances to lower the sanction from a red card.
“On that basis, the independent Committee applied World Rugby’s obligatory minimum mid-range entrance point for foul play resulting in head contact (six matches) and took the sentence into consideration. The impartial Committee established a maximum mitigation of 50% after taking all factors into account, including the player’s regret and stellar disciplinary record.
