Sky Sports pundits argue about controversial yellow card as star left “fuming”

James Batchelor has been shown a yellow card for a hip drop tackle on Jake Clifford which forced the halfback off with an ankle injury.

The Sky Sports pundits were divided by the decision.

Phil Clarke said: “There’s nothing illegal in it.”

But Jon Wells said it was a tackle that needs to be guarded against:

“It’s what Batchelor does, from behind and dropping the hips and that is what catches the ankle underneath. I can understand why Jake Clifford is angry with that.

“I don’t think it is intentional but you have to guard against that sort of tackle because you put your opponent into a vulnerable position.

“Yes you are trying to stop him but you have a duty of care to other players on the field.”

Bill Arthur meanwhile questioned what else Batchelor can do:

“James Batchelor is mystified by that, what was he supposed to do? He is falling as well. How are you supposed to make that judgement in a split second.”

Wells responded:

“This is what we expect it is an elite level of sport and you are expected in a way that is safe and Jake Clifford is fuming at this.”

The Black and Whites trail 14-0 as halftime approaches.