Glasgow v Lions: Ref's call leaves URC fans flabbergasted

WATCH as referee Gianluca Gnecchi took centre stage during the Lions’ narrow defeat to Glasgow Warriors on Saturday.

The United Rugby Championship (URC) Round three match between Glasgow and Lions was closely contested with the hosts securing a 13-9 victory.

One certainly can not deny that the Lions were to blame for their own dismay given the litany of errors.

However, the South Africans were also on the wrong side of a very controversial referee decision.

The incident occurred in the opening minutes of the match when prop Jamie Bhatti made a powerful run and scored Glasgow’s only try of the match.

However, replays showed that Bhatti’s placement was short of the line.

Nonetheless, referee Gnecchi awarded the try with the replay only being shown after the conversion.

The decision has left loads of fans astonished, with one Twitter user stating the ‘TMO should be ashamed’

*WATCH the video and reaction below…

Lions absolutely robbed, TMO should be ashamed, from a Bulls supporter

— kurt quartier (@kurtquartier) October 9, 2021

I was about to say this. Disgraceful to award that try.

— #FreeBritneyNOW✊🏿❤ (@Thembileeh) October 9, 2021

Hard earned? More like referees gift

— Jared (@jaybrand16) October 9, 2021

Am I missing it? How has the TMO confirmed this? https://t.co/UaOGVY4TUD pic.twitter.com/q4okKXirJ7

— Runningflyhalf (@Runningflyhalf) October 9, 2021

Speaking in the post-match reaction Lions head coach Ivan van Rooyen made no mention of the incident, instead lamented his team’s failure to produce a 100 percent performance.

“There are one or two reasons as to why we are frustrated in not getting the result,” Van Rooyen said.

“Physically we were good and for 90 percent were territorially good, that’s why we are feeling frustrated.

“I feel it was a case of us losing the game, instead of them [Glasgow] actually beating us,”

@rugby365com