Costly late decision against Munster deemed 'ridiculously harsh'

"They'll know they could have won this game," Simon Zebo said about Munster following their defeat to Toulon in the Champions Cup

Referee Karl Dickson awarded a late penalty against Munster which Marius Domon kicked to win the Champions Cup tie for Toulon. Pic: ©INPHO/Billy Stickland

Simon Zebo said Munster will be devastated by their 27-25 defeat to Toulon in the Champions Cup, but believes they will take positives from the performance. Munster had come back from 11 points down early in the second half to lead the French side 25-24. 

However, referee Karl Dickson awarded Toulon a contentious 75th minute penalty for Tom Farrell "taking the space" at the breakdown after he had made a tackle. Toulon fullback Marius Domon kicked the penalty to give his side the win. 

"Ultimately that last penalty against Farrell I think is ridiculously harsh," former England international Andy Goode said on Premier Sports.

"There is an emphasis around the referees looking at the space around the breakdown. You just see Farrell stands there, has no impact, but that's what you get pinged for, for not clearing that space.

"It has no impact on a clearer. It's a real harsh penalty to decide a game. And that's what the Munster fans will be really frustrated about."

Munster withstood late Toulon pressure to prevent what would have been a bonus point try for the French side. A converted try would also have meant Munster leaving the south of France without a losing bonus point. The referee was booed by supporters when he blew for full-time. 

"The Toulon fans are obviously booing the ref, and Charles Ollivon's not happy, but they should be thanking Karl Dickson for giving them that penalty to win the game," said Goode.

Zebo felt ill-discipline ultimately cost his former team. 

"They'll be gutted, absolutely gutted," said Zebo.

"But I still think there'll be a sense of positivity around that performance. I think tactically they were spot on. Being a bit pragmatic at the start, withstand the pressure that Toulon were giving them, stay in touch, and then open up a bit. 

"One or two of the tries that they conceded they'll be disappointed with, and they'll know they could have won this game. That's what will eat at them, I suppose, for the next week, and build into Castres off the back of it. 

"But definitely not a negative in terms of performance and effort. It was there for the taking, just disappointment in how it fell."