Referee Nigel Owens stormed on Twitter as fans demand answers after 'illegal' try awarded

Benetton has come away with a thrilling 27-all draw against European powerhouse Leinster at the RDS in Dublin, with a last-gasp try to keep their Pro14 playoff hopes alive.

After a miraculous 25-phases, Ratuva Tavuyara scored in the tackle of James Lowe to give Tommasso Allen the chance to snatch a draw with the conversion.

80+1: TRY Benetton!

FT: Leinster 27-27 Benetton.

What a brilliant finish from Ratuva Tavuyara. Benetton salvage a draw at the RDS.

FT analysis from Tommy, Luke & Eddie next on eir sport 1! #GuinnessPRO14 pic.twitter.com/lFEeGNdbvT

— eir Sport (@eirSport) April 6, 2019

The last-ditch try wasn’t without controversy with off-the-ball obstruction on James Lowe allowing the try to be scored. When referred to the TMO, the try was upheld.

https://twitter.com/ter_ltd/status/1114629939926581248

Love to hear @lukefitz11 and Eddie O'Sullivan on @eirSport but please talk about the elephant in the room Nigel Owens refereeing of the game was again outrageous, and he has form for this refereeing Leinster @PRO14Official @IrishRugby #LEIvBEN #GuinnessPro14

— Odran OBrien (@Outhalf) April 6, 2019

Another absolute howler from Nigel Owens, better come up with another "hilarious quip" to deflect from his incompetence. #LEIvBEN

— Shane Murphy (@Murphy321) April 6, 2019

I’m blocked by Nigel Owens (I criticized him). If I hadn’t been, I would be now. James Lowe was illegally blocked. Whether that affected the try or not is immaterial. Bad decision. #LEIvBEN

— Paddy Murray (@paddytmurray) April 6, 2019

Would love to understand how last try wasn't crossing? @Murray_Kinsella ? #LEIvBEN

— Peter Burke (@peterburke_) April 6, 2019

Referee Nigel Owens has received the brunt of the criticism on social media, not just for his role in the final try but for his 80-minute performance, with many decisions leaving fans confused. One fan has claimed the referee has blocked him on Twitter for questioning the decision to allow the try that ended the match in a draw.

Leinster’s Fergus McFadden was fortunate that an ‘unlucky’ clearout, in referee Nigel Owens’ words, did not result in a penalty reversal and a yellow card. Owens instead ‘reversed the reversal’.

"So I'm going to reverse the penalty I was going to give against Blue and award the original penalty I was going to reverse against Green before I reversed the other penalty that I awarded and reverse my original decision, is that clear..?"#LEIvBEN@Nigelrefowens @OLSCRugby pic.twitter.com/IefZbYMTD9

— Sweet Lanterin' Divine Holy Mother of Jay-Z… (@pwalshnow) April 6, 2019

So he’s reversing the penalty but not reversing the penalty… what the fucking fuck is going on?! #LEIvBEN

— Liz Daly (@LizDaly5) April 6, 2019

Em….no? Reversal would mean penalty Bennetton no?#LEIvBEN

— Niall Mac Eitrinn (@Niallon) April 6, 2019

Aside from the controversial refereeing decisions, many Leinster fans were quick to congratulate the Italian side for a well-deserved result which moves them into third place in the conference, two points behind Ulster in second-place. Leinster are already assured of a home semi-final.

Concussion is threatening an end to Dave Denton’s career: