16-03-2023, 01:50 PM
Well, a lunge is a kind of intuitive act but without any degree of control (by definition you only lunge when there is a real need to do so - it’s instinctive, not by design) else you couldn’t call it a lunge, more of a half-hearted thrust forward. Your example has more to do with proximity to the cliff edge.
The issue is whether he lunged dangerously or was entitled to challenge by stretching. If you watch it both players make almost exactly the same type of movement at the very same time, just from different angles. Both players leading legs come into contact with their opponents leg. The outcome was equal. It was a competitive challenge from both, neither should have been penalised, no injury, no danger. Goodness knows how the ref can justify a red. Hopefully there’s another camera/video angle which supports this as the match camera immediately behind Piggot is the least favourable angle for him.
The issue is whether he lunged dangerously or was entitled to challenge by stretching. If you watch it both players make almost exactly the same type of movement at the very same time, just from different angles. Both players leading legs come into contact with their opponents leg. The outcome was equal. It was a competitive challenge from both, neither should have been penalised, no injury, no danger. Goodness knows how the ref can justify a red. Hopefully there’s another camera/video angle which supports this as the match camera immediately behind Piggot is the least favourable angle for him.