Wasps fear refereeing error could be costly
European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) has said Connacht's victory will still stand despite a refereeing mistake.
Wasps fear a refereeing mistake which cost them victory in Saturday's European Champions Cup clash at Connacht could have "serious repercussions" for the Premiership side.
European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) on Sunday stated Connacht should not have been allowed to take a lineout that resulted in Naulia Dawai scoring a try which Jack Carty converted to snatch a dramatic 20-18 win.
Assistant referee Mathieu Raynal, who replaced the injured Jerome Garces, had awarded a penalty to Connacht after time had elapsed, so the game should have been over when Connacht kicked for touch.
Nevertheless, EPCR has said the result will stand, meaning Wasps, Toulouse and Connacht are level on 13 points with two Pool 2 matches remaining.
Wasps are prepared to move on from the controversial defeat, but are concerned they could yet feel the consequences.
A statement released by the Coventry-based club said: "Wasps' pitchside officials immediately stressed to the fourth official that Connacht could not take the lineout, as the referee had indicated time had gone beyond 80 minutes.
"Wasps' players on the pitch also emphasised to the referee that time was up. Despite several protests, the lineout was still allowed to be taken.
"We all understand referees are only human and mistakes do occasionally happen. However, for a referee and fourth official to get the laws of the game wrong at a crucial stage of a big match is hugely disappointing.
"The error made could have serious repercussions in terms of Wasps' qualification hopes or the prospect of securing a home quarter-final.
"EPCR have stated that the result stands. We congratulate Connacht after a hard-fought contest and we will now move on to the final rounds, after tough Premiership games against Bath, Newcastle and Leicester Tigers."