Bad blood for Richards
Dean Richards. Photo: David Rogers, Getty Images
The deliciously ironic appointment of Dean Richards as referee for Harlequins' opening match of the season even managed to raise a chuckle from their usually stone-faced head coach John Kingston.
He was not smiling 46 seconds into the match against Wasps, however, when Richards the referee (pictured), not the former Quins director of rugby, sent off George Robson for a head-butt and the faintly farcical element to the Bloodgate scandal continued.
This time there was real blood and the delicious irony of the situation was lost on no-one inside Twickenham. One group of supporters arrived in dracula outfits with fangs and fake blood.
Harlequins had hoped that their new start would continue into the season. Then Robson lost his rag, Richards branded the red card, Joe Simpson accused the lock forward of breaking the spirit of rugby and Quins remained embroiled in controversy.
Tom Varndell scored two tries on his debut as Wasps kicked off their Guinness Premiership campaign with a 26-15 victory.
