On Sunday, Spain missed out on an automatic qualification place for the Rugby World Cup in controversial circumstances after they suffered a shock 18-10 loss away to Belgium in the Rugby Europe Championship.
The result means Romania progress, with Georgia already qualified from Europe's tier two tournament.
Spain will now need to beat Portugal in a two-legged tie and then play another play-off against Samoa if they are to reach Japan 2019, but they were extremely unhappy with the standard of officiating that caused this and swarmed the referee after the final whistle.
It has since emerged Spain had issue with the chosen referee prior to the game and asked World Rugby to implement a change as well as use a TMO.
Spain were very poor. Belgium had a good day.
Referee was very poor.
Romanian President of Rugby Europe. Romanian referee and officials. Romania qualify for World Cup.
It looks bad even if there's nothing fishy. Easily avoided too!— Tim Cocker (@cocker) March 18, 2018
A Romanian referee for a game Romania needed Spain to lose in order to qualify automatically for the Rugby World Cup? That's... unusual.
Belgium win 18-10. All kicking off at the end, Spain players not happy with the referee at all. pic.twitter.com/s1UctCA2De— Ben Coles (@bencoles_) March 18, 2018
The result means Romania will join Ireland's group A for the 2019 tournament. The winner of Portugal/Spain v Samoa will also join that group.
