
French broadcaster hits back at Bath's TMO criticism
French television broadcaster says the "video referee is the master of what he wants to see" in response to Bath boss Johann van Graan's TMO criticism.

French television broadcaster says the "video referee is the master of what he wants to see" in response to Bath boss Johann van Graan's TMO criticism.

Bath unhappy with collision between Barbeary and LucuSome camera angles were unavailable to TMO in semi-finalAn independent broadcast director is set to be in position for this month’s Champions Cup final in Bilbao after disquiet about the lack of crucial replays available to match officials during Bath’s 38-26 semi-final defeat against Bordeaux-Bègles on Sunday. Johann van Graan, Bath’s head of rugby, suggested three high tackles on his No 8, Alfie Barbeary, were missed because the referee and television match official (TMO) had not been supplied with all the requisite angles by the French host broadcaster. Members of the commentary team on Premier Sports also highlighted the absence of replay footage.Different protocols are in place in the Champions Cup compared with the United Rugby championship and the Six Nations, when an independent operator sits with the TMO to ensure the best pictures are readily available. On Sunday, under EPCR regulations relating to host country arrangements, a French director was in place. Continue reading...

Bath were defeated 33-12 by Bordeaux-Begles in the Investec Champions Cup semi-final at Stade Atlantique Bordeaux Metropole, marking their first top-tier European semi-final in 20 years. Bath boss Johann van Graan criticised French broadcasters for not showing replays of what he called three head contact incidents involving Alfie Barbeary, calling for consistency in TMO footage access. Bordeaux will face Leinster in the final.