Wasps disappointed with refereeing error

Wasps are hugely disappointed by the refereeing error that resulted in Connacht's 20-18 Champions Cup victory but that have accepted the final result.

Connacht's final try from Naulia Dawai and subsequent Jack Carty conversion to win the match originated from a lineout, which was given from a penalty that was kicked to touch in injury time by the Westeners.

Captain John Muldoon asked stand-in referee Mathieu Raynal if his team were permitted to do so, but tournament organisers European Profession Club Rugby subsequently admitted the official had made an error in allowing Connacht to take the lineout.

The confusion has been linked to new laws being trialled in several competitions which allows teams to kick to touch if awarded a penalty after the 80 minutes has expired and take the resulting penalty. The new laws will come into full effect in the southern hemisphere from 1 January 2017 and the northern hemisphere from 1 August 2017.

Responding to the EPCR's statement, Wasps said: "Wasps’ pitchside officials immediately stressed to the 4th official that Connacht could not take the lineout, as the referee had indicated time had gone beyond 80 minutes. Wasps’ players on the pitch also emphasised to the referee that time was up. Despite several protests, the lineout was still allowed to be taken.

"We all understand referees are only human and mistakes do occasionally happen. However, for a referee and 4th official to get the laws of the game wrong at a crucial stage of a big match is hugely disappointing. The error made could have serious repercussions in terms of Wasps’ qualification hopes or the prospect of securing a home quarter final.

"EPCR have stated that the result stands. We congratulate Connacht after a hard fought contest and we will now move on to the final rounds, after tough Premiership games against Bath, Newcastle and Leicester Tigers."

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