BATH’S UNPRECEDENTED BID to have their Heineken Champions Cup pool fixture against Toulouse replayed because of ‘negligence’ by the match officials has been refused by the tournament organisers.
In a statement released this afternoon, the EPCR have clarified several issues arising from the Pool 1 fixture at the Rec on Saturday 13 October, which was won by Toulouse 22-20.
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Toulouse’s victory at the Rec stands. Source: James Crombie/INPHO
Bath owner Bruce Craig wrote to the EPCR requesting the match be replayed because the Premiership club were adamant referee Andrew Brace blew the final whistle with a few seconds left on the clock.
The home side felt there was still time for their attacking lineout near the Toulouse line when Brace ended the match, but the EPCR say the television match graphics — which indicated 79 minutes and 57 seconds had elapsed when the match ended — were incorrect.
Craig told The Times: “I think the game should be replayed and we will do what we can to get equity.
“This is the European Cup. There are massive sporting and financial implications. Bath have been majorly disadvantaged.”
Bath were also unhappy that two Toulouse players, Jerome Kaino and Lucas Pointud, were both cited after the match and suspended by a disciplinary tribunal for foul play — but neither received a red during the game.