D-day looms for Newcastle boss after blasting ref

NEWS: Newcastle director of rugby Steve Diamond faces a disciplinary hearing on Friday for alleged verbal abuse towards match officials.

The offence is said to have occurred after the Falcons’ 15-17 Premiership defeat at Exeter on March 29.

Diamond, who has a chequered disciplinary record, has been charged with conduct prejudicial to the interests of the game and/or union.

Fixture

Gallagher Premiership

Exeter Chiefs

16:00

19 Apr 25

Bath

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“This one was decided by the officials,” he said after the game with Exeter. “There is a clear act of foul play in the lead-up to the try, and I don’t know for the life of me why the TMO doesn’t have a look at it at least.”

He added: “If we are going to take foul play out of the game, then let’s not waste time and just look at forward passes to see whether a try is a try or a try is not a try.”

“I am disappointed with the officials, but fair play to Exeter; they kept going, like we kept going, and someone has to lose, and it was us today.”

“The TMO must see. I didn’t see it live, so it’s difficult for the referee in that position. But on the first recall I see of it, it’s ridiculous. Callum asked the ref to check it, but nothing.”