‘Heard it pop’ – Referee suffers grim injury in England’s shocking Six Nations loss to Ireland

Six Nations referee Andrei Piardi was replaced due to a gruesome injury picked up during England’s loss to Ireland.

After 29 minutes of the game, which saw England beaten 42-21 at Twickenham, Piardi had to stop the game for treatment.

Getty

He pulled up on the pitch and looked in some pain as he sat on the ground, with players consoling him.

Referee Piardi then quickly realised he couldn’t continue, having to tell the two captains on the field that he would be replaced.

And it was during that conversation that the disappointed official revealed some grim detail of his injury.

He regrettably told England and Ireland skippers Maro Itoje and Caelan Doris: “It’s tough for me to say that I’m out.

“My quad is gone, best of luck for the rest of the game.”

Piardi was also heard saying: “I heard it pop.”

As he hobbled off the pitch, he was met with a huge applause from the Six Nations fans inside the stadium.

ITV commentator Nick Mullins said: “Well, that’s a shame for him. These referees work as hard as the players to get match fit.

“They’re fitter than they’ve ever been, but if they get an in-game injury, then it’s understandable.”

Piardi was replaced by assistant Pierre Brousset for the remainder of the Six Nations clash at Twickenham.

AFP

Getty

England’s struggles continue

The pause in the game came with England 15-0 down to Ireland – and it ended up getting worse for the home side…

Steve Borthwick‘s men have started the Six Nations in poor form, following a win over Wales with two defeats.

They suffered a heavy defeat to Scotland last time out, with the result ending their 12-game winning streak.

But another loss to Ireland leaves them sitting fourth in the table after three games, on just five points.

England are already five points behind leaders France.

Their 22-7 deficit at half time on Saturday was the most first-half points they had conceded since 2001.

Getty

Speaking post-match to ITV, England captain Itoje said: “I guess the first half we turned the ball over too much, when we did get in their half we weren’t clinical. As players, we have to own it.

“We have to take responsibility and make sure we’re better.

“Ultimately, we weren’t accurate. We got into good positions. We didn’t come away with points or score. We know it’s not good enough. We’ll be working harder to get it right.

“We need to look after the ball. We need to make sure our possessions are accurate.

“Ultimately, we turned the ball over too much.”

England are next in action against Italy on Saturday, March 7, while Ireland will take on Wales on Friday, March 6.