Another 'terrible' game by French ref Poite
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Exeter’s thrilling 31-all draw at Scotstoun ended on a high when Stuart Hogg’s 60-metre last gasp penalty kick hit the crossbar, coming so close to snatching an away win.
The match was a great spectacle but had fans infuriated by the standard of refereeing from Romain Poite, who was described as having his ‘worst game ever’.
Fans from both sides were critical of the French ref, but those from Glasgow took exception, calling his performance ‘utter gash’ from an ‘absolute cowboy’.
He was labelled ‘easily the worst ref in rugby’ and a ‘disgrace’.
What a @GlasgowWarriors game today. Boys were firing again; playing exciting and entertaining rugby to watch. Chiefs did a pretty decent job of playing the ref. and Poite was true to form: utter gash. Would’ve been amazing to have been at Scotstoun, for it though. #GLAvEXE
— Simon Condie 🏴 (@Simurnie) January 11, 2020
Between Poite and the bounce of the ball, it really has been a tough day for @GlasgowWarriors #HeinekenChampionsCup
— Mike Saini (@mike_saini) January 11, 2020
I wonder if in his previous 225 games for @GlasgowWarriors Rob Harley was ever pinged for having his hands offside?
Laughable call by Romain Twat. #GLAvEXE— Neil Macdougall 🏴🏴 (@DougallChops) January 11, 2020
Respect has to be a two way street. Romaine Poite shows absolutely none. Absolute cowboy. #GLAvEXE #ChampionsCup
— KSW (@wattersk10) January 11, 2020
Dear of dear, Poite’s worst game ever??#GLAvEXE
— RuckinRugby (@RuckinRugby) January 11, 2020
Doesn’t seem to matter what game Romain Poite referees but there is always some kinda controversy or missed decisions #GLAvEXE #ERC #EuropeanRugbyChampions
— Gordon Bear Lafferty (@Tuilalcaron) January 11, 2020
Farce of a decision from Poite. Gibbons should be gone for good. Citing commissioner will be preparing his report as we speak. #GLAvEXE
— Ross Barnett (@rbarnett08) January 11, 2020
Poite’s decisions included issuing a yellow card to Callum Gibbons for dangerously flying off-feet with a shoulder into the head an Exeter player at a ruck. The consensus from the commentary was that the incident deserved a red card.
The breakdown was a contentious area of the game that left fans confused as Poite’s leniency allowed questionable acts to commence.
Glasgow received another yellow card in the second half to hooker Fraser Brown, much to the confusion of Glasgow’s captain who couldn’t understand Poite’s explanation.
With 10 minutes remaining with the scores at 31-all Poite sent a referral to the TMO after a try to midfielder Sam Johnson that was called back for a forward pass but refused to look at possible double-movements on Exeter’s tries despite protests.
Poite famously came under fire two years in a clash between the same two sides in a Champions Cup fixture in 2018 for yellow carding Nic White and awarding a penalty try for a deliberate knockdown. White was attempting a tackle on Finn Russell at the time.
Rugbypass
