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Rugby

22nd May 2015

VINE: Ulster aggrieved after losing out on place in Pro-12 final

Nico Matawalu auditions for Free Willy

Kevin McGillicuddy

Oscar worthy.

And then there was one.

Ulster are out of this year’s Pro 12 but their fans were not happy after tonight’s 16-14 loss to Glasgow in Scotstoun.

So what exactly had Ulster supporters so vexed? Well despite leading 14-9 with five minutes or so to go in the game most fans were incensed by this incident. Referee George Clancy decided to award a penalty for this tackle on Nico Matawalu although TV angles suggested there was minimal contact

The decision seemed to shift momentum away from Ulster and a late try from DTH van der Merwe converted by Russell Finn secured the narrow two point win. Although this TV angle seemed to suggest that the penalty may have been the right decision. 

Perhaps the most touching, nigh on heartbreaking moment came courtesy of Beth Robinson, daughter of Ulster physio Gareth Robinson.

She crafted a card for her father and some of her favourite Ulster players, after their near miss.

The FootballJOE quiz: Were you paying attention? – episode 10