18 May 2014

Reds robbed by TMO says Horwill

12:14 pm on 18 May 2014

The Queensland skipper James Horwill says Super Rugby in being ruined and claims the Reds were robbed after a controversial video over-ruling in their match against the Melbourne Rebels.

Their 30-27 loss to the Rebels was their sixth defeat in a row.

Horwill could not hide his rage after the Rebels secured their first win over the Reds thanks to a late penalty awarded on review by television match official Steve Lescinski, who ruled an eye-gouge by Ed O'Donoghue.

Horwill, who could face sanctions from SANZAR, hadn't calmed down at the official post-match press conference.

He was furious as referee Steve Walsh had originally given his penalty to Queensland when Sean McMahon was third man in to a scuffle between O'Donoghue and Rebels skipper Scott Higginbotham.

Walsh, who did not want to rule on the alleged gouging off the big screen, had told Lescinski he didn't need to review the scuffle, but the TMO stopped play just as the ensuing lineout formed.

The Rebels coach Tony McGahan was adamant the match-winning penalty was justified, as O'Donoghue's fingers were around Higginbotham's eyes.

The Rebels flanker Scott Fuglistaller argued players had been told by officials the head and eyes were "sacrosanct".