‘Astonished’ ref Watkins quits after ban for Twitter comment

A rugby referee of 20 years says he is “astonished and disappointed” after being banned for 12 weeks for a comment he made on Twitter.

Hugh Watkins questioned a referee’s decision not to show a red card for a dangerous tackle in the Hong Kong Sevens final between Wales and Fiji. He resigned immediately after being told by the Welsh Rugby Union that he faced disciplinary action.

“It does leave a bitter taste in my mouth at how it’s all ended,” he said.