Gold Coast Titans v Newcastle Knights, Brian Kelly spear tackle, Dominic Young, video, Paul Vautin
Titans centre Brian Kelly was sent off for lifting Knights winger Dominic Young into a frightening position during Gold Coast’s win on Sunday afternoon.
But Paul Vautin slammed the referee’s decision, arguing a send-off was not warranted.
Kelly went low to tackle Young in the 51st minute and got it horribly wrong.
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The Englishman wasn’t harmed but referee Ben Cummins, after consulting with the Bunker, sent Kelly for an early shower as his team continued on to grab a 36-26 win on the Gold Coast.
“I’m without speech. I’m speechless,” Vautin said on Nine’s coverage.
“It was an ordinary tackle, but it doesn’t deserve a send-off.”
Cameron Smith also claimed a send-off was too harsh a punishment.
“I was thinking 10 minutes in the bin for Brian Kelly, but he will take no further part in today’s action,” Smith said.
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Kelly became the player sent off in the NRL since Panthers halfback Nathan Cleary, who was marched from the field after performing a spear tackle on Eels five-eighth Dylan Brown.
Last year’s Dally M Medal winner was slapped with a five-game ban, ruling him out until week one of the finals series.
The Titans are awaiting the match review committee’s call on Kelly’s tackle, but the 26-year-old’s season is undoubtedly over.
The Titans will meet the Warriors at Auckland’s Mt Start Stadium next Saturday afternoon in their last game of the season.
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