England and Ireland players were involved in a feisty scrap at Twickenham (Image: ITV SPORT)
England and Ireland players were given a stern warning by referee Ben O’Keeffe after tensions boiled over during the second half of their Six Nations clash at Twickenham.
The hosts took an early lead when debutant Cadan Murley crossed after winning a foot race with Josh van der Flier to pounce on a loose ball.
Ireland hit back through Jamison Gibson-Park before the interval, but the boot of Marcus Smith gave England a five-point advantage at the break.
In the second half, a fight broke out when England gave away a penalty while trying to stop Ireland from breaking away down the left flank.
Both sets of players rushed in after the whistle had blown, with James Lowe seemingly kicking things off by taking exception to something Freddie Steward had done.
It prompted a swift intervention from O’Keeffe, who called over both captains and made it clear that any more incidents like that would not be tolerated.
Addressing the two players, he said: “I’m going to make it very clear and simple. When it’s after the whistle, that’s when I’m going to be yellow-carding players and they’re going to leave the field.
“We’re going to play rugby here, but if it’s after the whistle, players running in and pushing, they’re going to go off. Talk to your players now. I’m not accepting any of it.”
Ireland went on to score their second try of the match, with Bundee Aki using brute force to steamroll over the line and dragging two England players with him.
Tadhg Beirne put the visitors further ahead with just over 15 minutes left to play, having been given a clear run at the line with Lowe doing most of the hard work.
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