George Ford left baffled as England rugby star is punished for breaching little-known rule in ’embarrassing’ incident

ENGLAND and George Ford were punished after Wales blocked the fly-half's conversion.

Ben Earl touched down for England minutes after Wales had scored the first try of the game - but Ford was unable to add two more points to the scoreline.

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That's because during his conversion run-up, the 30-year-old stepped to the side before stopping again.

But he was judged to have already commenced his run-up so the ball was in play and Wales were allowed to close down.

Wales winger Rio Dyer was first to the ball and appeared to suggest to the ref that his side were free to clear the ball, but it was his team-mate Elliot Dee who actually poked the ball away before kicking it out of touch.

A hapless Ford appeared dumbfounded before remonstrating with the referee, who explained to the No10 why Wales were allowed to pinch the ball.

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Fans found the incident very amusing as Ford became the victim of mockery, with one individual labelling him "embarrassing".

Another fan reacted saying: "That conversion was the funniest thing I’ve seen since Owen Farrell running down the shot clock.

"The way even the Welsh player charging down looked so confused when George Ford didn’t do anything 😭"

Farell experienced similar humiliation at the World Cup last year after being timed out before he could take a penalty against Samoa.

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However some England supporters were unhappy at the officiating and believe the ref should have ordered a retake.

One fan said: "George Ford being denied that conversion looks worse and worse in the replay."

Another added: " Ford hasn’t moved forward towards the ball, shocking decision from the ref."

To make matters worse for England they were already down to 13 men at the time as Ollie Chessum and Ethan Roots picked up yellow cards so went into the sin bin.

Wales then went up the other end and scored a second try through Alex Mann.