This week, Ireland and Connacht star Mack Hansen received a six-game ban, with three games suspended, for comments made after Connacht's defeat to Leinster on December 22.
Hansen, in the post-match press conference on December 22, said: "To be honest, it felt like we were getting reffed out of the game for the first 40 minutes, pretty much," and also added: "We never get any calls, ever. I’ve been feeling this for years now. It’s like we get that every time, so you can hear the frustration in my voice, ‘cos it’s starting to get to the point where, honestly, it’s bull***t and it’s starting to get really frustrating for us."
Following a hearing this week, Hansen was handed a six-game ban, but three of those games have been suspended, meaning he will still be in contention for Ireland's Six Nations campaign, which starts on 1 February. The Ireland star will now miss Connacht’s Challenge Cup matches against Lyon and Cardiff, as well as a URC game against Glasgow.
Hansen's ban has created a firestorm in the rugby community, with many slamming the harshness of the punishment and others offering opposing takes. Firstly, former England player Joe Marler, without mincing his words, said, "Utter bollocks."
Former Ireland and Leinster player Rob Kearney added, "There are arguments for and against this; there really is. Six matches reduced to three, potentially on the harsh side I would think. A three-match ban is not a slap on the wrist; that’s a little bit more than a slap on the wrist.”
Mack Hansen being defended by most for his comments towards the officials is quite amusing.
Have to feel there is an element of him being such a likeable fella.
Despite all the calls to respect referees and not publically criticise them, now it looks like one is off into…
— Jared Wright (@jaredwright17) January 9, 2025
Another X user said, "The one thing about the whole Mack Hansen thing is that he was telling the truth. Fair enough, the URC had to act. But that doesn't mean that what Mack was saying wasn't true. The officiating in the URC is absolute muck! Europe isn't much better either," while another said, "Mack Hansen getting three weeks for speaking the truth... ah well, refereeing needs to be immensely better, and we need a way to respectfully ask for better."
However, some offered differing takes, stating that the outcome would have been different had the person not been Hansen. "Mack Hansen being defended by most for his comments towards the officials is quite amusing.
"Have to feel there is an element of him being such a likeable fella. Despite all the calls to respect referees and not publicly criticise them, now it looks like one is off into retirement with this being the 'tipping point.' Wonder how many would have reacted if this were Farrell, Marler, Rassie, or even Eddie Jones who got a ban. I would wager the cries would be that it is not long enough," said another X user.
In addition to the ban, Connacht has received a suspended €10,000 (£8,400) fine, while Hansen must apologise to referee Chris Busby and undertake “an appropriate course related to match officiating” as part of his sanction.
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