Lee Blackett takes shot at TMO Graham Hughes

Wasps boss Lee Blackett has taken a shot at TMO, Graham Hughes, after Wasps’ 30-25 loss to Northampton Saints. 

Blackett’s gripe was made in reference to two specific incidents; one was when Saints flyhalf Dan Biggar made contact with the head of Jacob Umaga and the second Saints lock David Ribbans appearing to knock a ball on in a lineout which eventually led to a try which ultimately sealed victory for his team. 

"I thought the TMO chose when he wanted to come in and when he didn't want to come in," Blackett said.  "I think you've got young officials out there on the field, that's where you need the experience." 

Adam Leal – relatively new on the officiating scene – took charge of the game at Franklin’s Gardens. Blackett made reference to Tony Spreadbury – referee's chief – during his vent. 

"Spreaders obviously puts young guys out there, as he did against Newcastle, we've got a young referee at Newcastle and you put someone like Graham Hughes with them who has got experience. We all know what happened at Newcastle." 

Here, Blackett is referring to the incident at Kingston Park in which Mateo Carreras made contact with the eyes of Josh Bassett, an act for which he was later banned for 9 weeks. 

"When Spreaders is putting these teams of referees together and then with the young guys he tries to put experience around them, that's when you need them in these occasions," Blackett added.