ENGLAND fans slammed the “most ridiculous decision ever” as Argentina notched a controversial try in the rugby World Cup third-place play-off.
Tomas Cubelli ran in after what seemed a forward pass from Lucio Cinti – with referee Nic Berry giving a thumbs-up even AFTER seeing a replay.
ITVThis Lucio Cinti pass was blatantly forward, according to many viewers[/caption]
ITVTomas Cubelli went on to score after one of the biggest talking points of the rugby World Cup, in terms of refereeing decisions[/caption]
ReutersArgentina celebrate the contentious score for Tomas Cubelli[/caption]
Viewers were quick to share their disbelief at what they saw as a staggering Stade de France verdict.
One posted: “Missing that forward pass when you have every chance to re-look at it is the most ridiculous decision I’ve ever seen. And believe me there I’ve seen some shockers.
“If World Rugby want to turn a ludicrous dead rubber into a serious event, they need to officiate it like one.”
Another wrote: “How is it that the referee sees the forward pass, asks for it to be checked and it’s given the thumbs up? Is the TMO watching it standing on their head?”
Similar outraged opinions included: “Most forward pass ever from Argentina that.”
And this observer claimed the ref should have sensed it was wrong.
He stated: “That was definitely a forward pass from Cinti .. you know instinctively.”
The clash became a ding-dong thriller ahead of Saturday’s final between New Zealand and South Africa.
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But many viewers still focused on the moment Cubelli sparked Argentinian improvement with their first try shortly before the break.
One fan wrote: “Awful decision!! It was more like American Football…..”
Another said: “The winger almost has to dive forward to catch the ball.”