Topics: Rugby, Rugby Union, Fan Reactions, Wales, Scotland
Scotland managed to stage an incredible comeback in the Six Nations against Wales as they won 26-23 to keep their title hopes alive.
Gregor Townsend’s side were trailing 17-5 at the interval but would end up securing a bonus point win in the dying moments as they drastically improved their performance in the second.
Welsh fans seem to be encouraged despite the defeat, as they looked like teams of yesteryear in their first-half performance, which will encourage them for their trip to Dublin in two weeks.
However, they appeared to blame their defeat on one man, as he appeared, in their opinion, to have had a detrimental impact on the result.
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Who was that? The referee, Matthew Carley.
Fans took to social media to share their displeasure at his performance, particularly believing his decisions in the second half seemed to favour Scotland.
One fan said: “Carley has screwed Wales here. Terrible call against Tomos Williams, and then the Rees Zammit pen has changed the game.”
Another shared this sentiment, as they said: “Matt Carley, what an absolute joke! Changed the game here for Scotland. You’d say Matt Carley has been Scotland’s man of the match!”
Scotland kept their Triple Crown hopes alive, as they can lift it for the first time in 36 years when they face Ireland in Dublin in what could be a showdown for that trophy along with the Six Nations title.
Townsend and his players will believe they showed true grit to turn this game around and give themselves the chance to win this silverware, but Welsh fans seem to believe this opportunity was handed to them on a plate by Carley.
One fan said: “I think the Welsh review of the game on Monday will mostly be calling out bad calls made by Matt Carley. Shocking performance in that 2nd half. Croc roll, Zammit penalty and scrum pen towards the end all terrible calls.”
Another said: “My mantra is always that teams have to be good enough to take the ref out of the game. Wales weren't quite. However, Carley gave it to Scotland, including the match-winning try.”
