‘This one was decided by the officials’ – Steve Diamond blasts referee after ‘clear act of foul play’
Newcastle Falcons consultant director of rugby Steve Diamond.
Newcastle Falcons Director of Rugby Steve Diamond has blasted the officiating in his side’s 17-15 defeat to Exeter Chiefs at Sandy Park, claiming it was eventually decided by the officials.
Diamond’s side led 15-12 for the entirety of the second-half at Sandy Park before Greg Fisilau struck with a try at the death to give Exeter the four points.
Steve Diamond blasts referee following Falcons defeat
The incident that upset Diamond happened in the build-up to Fisilau’s decisive try, as Tamati Tua made contact with Alex Hearle in a ruck, however, it was not reviewed by the TMO, and Exeter would go on to score just one minute later.
Speaking to the media after the game, Diamond vented his frustrations on the incident, calling it a ‘clear act of foul play. ‘
“This one was decided by the officials,” he said. “There is a clear act of foul play in the lead-up to the try, and I don’t know for the life of me why the TMO doesn’t have a look at it at least.”
He added: “If we are going to take foul play out of the game, then let’s not waste time and just look at forward passes to see whether a try is a try or a try is not a try.”
“I am disappointed with the officials, but fair play to Exeter; they kept going, like we kept going, and someone has to lose, and it was us today.”
“The TMO must see, he continued. “I didn’t see it live, so it’s difficult for the referee in that position. But on the first recall I see of it, it’s ridiculous. Callum asked the ref to check it, but nothing.”
Despite making his feelings on the officiating clear, he also reflected on his team’s performance after they were just one play from their first away win in over 800 days.
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“I thought, like the first game up in Newcastle, it was a close game,” he said.
“If we turn up like that every week, we wouldn’t be bottom of the league. The job is getting some consistency. We were frustrated after Sale last week, and I think the lads put that to bed today.”
“We will look at ourselves, have a couple of days off. I’m disappointed, but not distraught.”
After the European break, Newcastle face Northampton Saints at Kingston Park.
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