Marks ‘removed’, not axed
11 Mar 2010
André Watson says referee Paul Marks has not been sacked.
According to the Australian media, Marks was fired with immediate effect by Sanzar following their review of his performance in the Sharks’ 25-21 defeat to the Waratahs.
Marks made a controversial call towards the end of the game where he did not award the Durban franchise a penalty try when Tahs fullback Kurtley Beale obstructed a clear scoring opportunity. If the try was scored, the Sharks would have been in a strong position to win the match.
However, Saru head of referees and member of the Sanzar referee panel Watson has confirmed with keo.co.za that this information is false.
‘I’ve read this news in the papers but the truth is he has not been fired or suspended,’ said Watson. ‘He has, however, been removed from the Sanzar panel of referees until further notice following the review of his performance last weekend.
‘He has been sent to a remedial process where he will be able to learn from his mistakes. Should we feel he has learned from his errors, Sanzar might allow him back on the panel. But I don’t think he will ref another game in the Super 14 this season.’
More rumours suggested South African referee Pro Legoete was also suspended. Watson denied this as well.
‘Let me get this straight, Pro has just helped out this season. He has reffed one and a half games, where he stood in for Jonathan Kaplan [second half - Sharks vs Cheetahs] and Stuart Dickinson [Cheetahs vs Highlanders],’ said Watson.
‘Pro hasn’t been appointed for any other Super 14 games this season, but he will be considered in future seasons.
‘It’s ridiculous that people think we [Sanzar] would suspend Pro after one and a half games. Marks is another story. He has reffed more than 10 Super Rugby games.’
By Gareth Duncan
160 Comments
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12 Mar 2010, 10:56 am
The referee just asked Phil Waugh if he is getting ‘quick enough ball’. How does that work ?
Ref: ‘Oy there Phil – are those South Africans allowing you to get to the ball mate ?’
Phil: ‘No mate, they are trying to keep it all for themselves’
Ref: ‘Dont worry mate, just like we discussed at that Barby we had last weekend, when you allowed me to play with some of your sheep, I will just penalise them a bit, and stop them from trying to beat your team ok ?’
Phil: ‘Much appreciated mate. You can have whatever sheep Paulie Marks left over after our victory party last Saturday night’
Can the Aussies play ANY sport – ANYTHING without cheating ?
12 Mar 2010, 10:57 am
Still no comment from keo?
Such conviction in his statements on why the ref was right in not awarding the penalty try.
Surely the sanzar panel has it wrong again?
12 Mar 2010, 11:06 am
@Stawm: I see you still havent lost your disdain for the small man….
12 Mar 2010, 11:17 am
Not at all, I find it all amusing really. The way some people speak as if their words are final and true.
I think skopskiet does the same thing – anyone with an opinion different to his own is labelled as a know-all – he doesnt see how he could be wrong.
12 Mar 2010, 11:27 am
@Stawm: The small man has been rather quiet of late.
Rumour has it that he is keeping all his cards up his sleeve until he applies for the SANZAR CEO post, which is being advertised this weekend
12 Mar 2010, 11:48 am
@Bod:
Maybe his application for aussie citizenship is also about to be launched?
12 Mar 2010, 12:35 pm
Watson will play it safe. It’s cosy on the gravy train.
12 Mar 2010, 18:01 pm
@rossoneri: 114 – Hey Rossi… has anyone told you yet that you really say it best when you say nothing at all!! Shut up, Jayzez!! – give it up please.
You don’t have to keep trying to prove yourself the whole time. Everyoe has made their mind up about you long ago – you’re like a huge **** on the pathway… everyone just steps around you. Do yourself a favour & just man up a little.
12 Mar 2010, 22:15 pm
@Dusky:
Makes sense that refs see so little. When they have tunnel vision to focus on aspects of play that are close in, they lose broader vision, and vice versa.
Having more than one referee on the field makes total sense, plus give the linesmen authority to check offsides, and give each team two or three appeals per game. Results will be much more accurate.
It’s so dumb that week-in week-out we have results decided largely by officiating errors. How doff can we be.
Wakey-wakey IRB. We’re waiting for you. You can’t leave it up to the referees panel to decide on these changes. Their egos are loving the over-authority that they have, even though they are getting by it.
12 Mar 2010, 22:16 pm
… even though they are getting hurt by it.
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