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Joy Neville Under Fire For TMO Performance In Champions Cup Thriller

Joy Neville Under Fire For TMO Performance In Champions Cup Thriller
Colman Stanley
By Colman Stanley
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Exeter made it through to the Champions Cup quarter-finals after a 100th minute try in extra-time gave them a 33-33 draw against Montpellier.

The English club outscored the French team by five tries to four, which saw them advance despite the draw.

It was a game laden with controversy as well, particularly the second half red card shown to Zach Mercer for should to head contact.

Many commenters on social media believed that the red was harsh because Christ Tshiunza had dipped his head slightly, and because it was soak tackle from Mercer - similar to Andrew Porter's against the All Blacks last summer - with only a small degree of force.

Montpellier's Italian outhalf Paolo Garbisi nailed a 45-metre penalty kick at the end of normal time to take the game further, but Jack Yeandle's last gasp score and Joe Simmonds conversion gave the 2020 champions the advantage.

Exeter Beat Montpellier In Champions Cup Thriller

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The IRFU refereeing duo of Andrew Brace and TMO Joy Neville came in for harsh criticism online, with many on social media unhappy with the red card decision and the many TMO involvements throughout the match:

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This is what we call home refereeing

Never a red card Joy Neville is shafting Montpellier at every opportunity

Awful refereeing display (from the whole team, not just Brace) unfortunately starting with Neville getting involved at every single opportunity. No feel for the game. It is absolutely no wonder the game is dying.

It’s an appalling decision. Game is well & truly ruined

Absolutely appalling refereeing throughout the entire game. Handed this game to Exeter. Not that it bothers you at BT with your completely one-eyed coverage.

Exeter will now face the Stormers next Saturday at Sandy Park (kick-off: 5.30pm).

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SEE ALSO: Air Of Foregone Conclusion Around Leinster's Quarter Final Clash With Leicester

rte leinster leicester champions cup 2023

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