Marks dropped from refs panel

Sanzar’s refereeing bosses have given Australian official Paul Marks a red card.

South Africa’s Pro Legoete will also not officiate again in this year’s Super 14.

Marks will “not easily” referee in this year’s Super 14 again following his controversial decisions in the Sharks’ defeat against the Waratahs at the weekend.

He made a huge mistake by not awarding the Sharks a penalty try in the dying minutes of the game.

Rather than a penalty try, Marks decided to punish Kurtley Beale with a yellow card and award a penalty when Stefan Terblanche’s pass to Ryan Kankowski with an open try-line ahead was illegally knocked down.

In a circular letter, New Zealand’s Lyndon Bray said that refereeing bosses had taken some “tough” decisions this week.

“Both Paul Marks and Pro Legoete got the message that they will not officiate in the near future,” writes Bray.

Marks was not judged only on one game, but on his performances throughout the competition.

Legoete has only blown for 120 minutes in this year’s Super 14.

He was sent on as substitute referee in the game between the Sharks and Cheetahs after Jonathan Kaplan could not continue because of illness.

Legoete was also the referee in the game between the Cheetahs and Highlanders in Bloemfontein.

South African referees boss André Watson believes Legoete has the ability to blow at Super 14 level again.

“Unlike Marks, who has officiated about 10 times, Pro does not have much experience. We believe Pro can make it, but there are some technical things that he will have to sort out at a different level,” said Watson.

He said these steps were not anything unusual.

“We’ve been doing it for years, but are only stating it openly now.”