Exeter made it through to the Champions Cup quarter-finals after a 100th minute try in extra-time gave them a 33-33 draw against Montpellier.
The English club outscored the French team by five tries to four, which saw them advance despite the draw.
It was a game laden with controversy as well, particularly the second half red card shown to Zach Mercer for should to head contact.
Many commenters on social media believed that the red was harsh because Christ Tshiunza had dipped his head slightly, and because it was soak tackle from Mercer - similar to Andrew Porter's against the All Blacks last summer - with only a small degree of force.
Montpellier's Italian outhalf Paolo Garbisi nailed a 45-metre penalty kick at the end of normal time to take the game further, but Jack Yeandle's last gasp score and Joe Simmonds conversion gave the 2020 champions the advantage.
Exeter Beat Montpellier In Champions Cup Thriller
What an end to the game!! 💥
Exeter through everything they have until the final whistle, grabbing the winning try in the closing minutes!! 🔥
The English side go through to the quarter-finals of the #HeinekenChampionsCup!! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/d19SOvwIyM— Rugby on BT Sport (@btsportrugby) April 2, 2023
A nightmare moment for Montpellier star man, Zach Mercer, as he sees red for a high tackle... 😳#HeinekenChampionsCup pic.twitter.com/nF07pwP8Ag
— Rugby on BT Sport (@btsportrugby) April 2, 2023
Incredible!! 💥
Paolo Garbisi levels the score with the last kick of the game to send Montpellier into extra-time!! 😲#HeinekenChampionsCup pic.twitter.com/XO04FfjkbD— Rugby on BT Sport (@btsportrugby) April 2, 2023
READ HERE: Champions Cup : Donncha O'Callaghan: Munster Battering Was Too Easy For Sharks
The IRFU refereeing duo of Andrew Brace and TMO Joy Neville came in for harsh criticism online, with many on social media unhappy with the red card decision and the many TMO involvements throughout the match:
This is what we call home refereeing
Never a red card Joy Neville is shafting Montpellier at every opportunity
Awful refereeing display (from the whole team, not just Brace) unfortunately starting with Neville getting involved at every single opportunity. No feel for the game. It is absolutely no wonder the game is dying.
It’s an appalling decision. Game is well & truly ruined
Absolutely appalling refereeing throughout the entire game. Handed this game to Exeter. Not that it bothers you at BT with your completely one-eyed coverage.
Exeter will now face the Stormers next Saturday at Sandy Park (kick-off: 5.30pm).
SEE ALSO: Air Of Foregone Conclusion Around Leinster's Quarter Final Clash With Leicester
