Munster are left with a huge mountain to scale if they are to progress to the knock-out stages of the Champions Cup after a 15-6 loss away to Saracens.
Two JJ Hanrahan penalties were not enough as Sean Maitland and Mako Vunipola touched down to ensure Johann Van Graan's side did not even land a losing bonus point. That will be particularly frustrating given they elected to go to the corner in the final five minutes when a kick at goal was on offer.
They were not helped by Peter O'Mahony's late withdrawal from the team as well as injuries to Andrew Conway and John Ryan.
The game was hotly contested and boiled over in the second half when an exchange between hooker Jamie George and a Munster medic resulted in several players from both sides pilling in.
Things kick off between Saracens and Munster players after what started as an altercation between Jamie George and a Munster medic on the touchline.pic.twitter.com/85PjIOJlTP
— The Rugby Paper (@TheRugbyPaper) December 14, 2019
Big brawl at #Saracens.
Jamie George gets stuck into the #munster medic after kicking the ball at Scannell - then this....@SunSport pic.twitter.com/flGPRA0Eqp
— Jonny Fordham ?? (@SunJonnyFordham) December 14, 2019
Speaking to BT Sport, Saracens coach Alex Sanderson said "it was Munster's fault".
"I think their doctor said something derogatory to Jamie George about his weight."
"I don't want to point fingers, but it was Munster's fault!" ?
"I think their doctor said something derogatory to Jamie George about his weight." ?
Alex Sanderson reveals exactly why tempers flared on the touchline at Allianz Park...#HeinekenChampionsCup pic.twitter.com/HcoE0Eg5Jc
— Rugby on BT Sport (@btsportrugby) December 14, 2019
The result means Munster must go to Racing and win in the next round.
