Bath head coach Johann van Graan blasted the Champions Cup television match official after his side fell 38-26 to Bordeaux-Begles, claiming three head‑contact incidents on Alfie Barbeary went unnoticed. Van Graan argued the replay system lacked consistency, especially when Bath played away in France. French broadcaster France Télévisions replied that the TMO controls his view, accessing every camera angle, and that all footage was supplied correctly.

Cedric Beaudou, rugby editor for France Télévisions, told AFP the video referee decides what he sees and “it’s impossible to hide footage.” EPCR, the tournament organiser, backed the process, explaining that each match uses a live feed and a five‑second delayed screen, identical across all games, allowing the TMO to request formal reviews of any incident. The governing body stressed that the system is designed to be transparent and uniform.

Both sides acknowledged Bath were outplayed, yet Van Graan maintained that away teams often miss crucial calls. With the final set for 23 May, where defending champions Bordeaux meet Leinster, the dispute underscores the pressure on officials in high‑stakes European fixtures. The controversy highlights the fine line between technology assistance and perceived bias in elite rugby.