'Robbed' - Fans furious as Angus Gardner non-call saves Scotland

A lot of neutrals have questioned referee Angus Gardner and his decision not to call off-side against Scotland in the dying moments of their 26-14 Six Nations win over Italy at Murrayfield.

With the score at 19-14 to the hosts but with Italy camped on the Scottish line, Gardner’s TMO called for a knock-on against Italy, a call which infuriated captain Michele Lamaro and many neutrals watching online.

Despite Gardner twice penalising and warning Scotland for offside at the ruck, he instead deferred to his officials of a knock-on instead of penalising the Scots for a third time.

A few phases later Scotland broke up the pitch thanks to winger Duhan van der Merwe, who put Blair Kinghorn away on his inside to seal the win for the home side.

Twitter was furious with many Irish fans in particular taking exception to the non-call by the Australian referee.

HOW IS THAT NOT OFFSIDE?!

Italy absolutely robbed #SCOvITA

— Cardiff Rugby Life (@CardiffRugbyWeb) March 18, 2023

https://twitter.com/cianodo/status/1637096916323385347

Feel sorry for Italy, they were robbed again by a ref #SCOvITA

— Bruno Halter (@brhalter) March 18, 2023

Italy absolutely robbed there by the ref at the end. Warns Scotland for offside and then two phases later let’s them away with it. Early push in scrum then rewarded with advantage and Scotland in fairness to them go coast to coast. #SCOvITA

— Brian Dowling (@dowlking1) March 18, 2023

Absolute travesty at the end of #SCOvITA … Italy robbed by very poor officiating.

— Bruce Masson (@brucemasson) March 18, 2023

Scotland better team over 80min but Italy robbed (again) by very poor ref decision at the very end. Really feel for #ita – deserved at least one win in this tournament. Not their best performance today – but still had a chance to nick it at the end.
#SCOvITA

— FPL_DelBoy (@fpl_delboy) March 18, 2023

Italy robbed by Scotland and the ref. Absolutely shocking decision at the end. Clear off side. #SCOvITA

— Andy O'Brien (@AindriuOBriain) March 18, 2023

italy fully robbed of that imo appalling referring of yet another six nations match in this tournament something seriously has to be done before the world cup because there have been some absolute shockers this tournament #SCOvITA

— ★☆★ ash IS SEEING SKZ (@hanotherday) March 18, 2023

Scotland will likely finish the Six Nations in third as a result of the win Gregor Townsend will no doubt be breathing a sigh of relief.