Brian O'Driscoll called it 'hand in the cookie jar stuff, but, should Racing's Leone Nakarawa have seen yellow at the tail-end of a pulsating first-half in today's Champions Cup final?
In a tight affair that stands 6-6 at the break, the Fijian was given the benefit of the doubt by referee Wayne Barnes when he knocked-on a pass directed toward Scott Fardy.
Although Barnes awarded Leinster the penalty that allowed Sexton to equalise, should Racing have been reduced to 14?
Nakarawa can consider himself lucky not to be in the bin there #LEIvR92
— Dearbhla Stapleton (@dervstapleton) May 12, 2018
Penalty. Jonny Sexton cuts to deficit back to 0 in Bilbao. Leone Nakarawa is lucky not to be sin binned for a deliberate knock on. Leinster 6-6 Racing 92. #LEIvR92
— The Rugby Blog (@blog_rugby) May 12, 2018
Robbie Henshaw getting treatment as Sexton levels. Now has heavyt strapping.
That was a yellow for Nakarawa all day as well
— Rúaidhrí O'Connor (@RuaidhriOC) May 12, 2018
Nakarawa is the luckiest man in Bilboa. That's a yellow all day long #LEIvR92
— Callum Sally (@CallumSally) May 12, 2018
Even Nakarawa thought that was a yellow card. And he was the one who did it #LEIvR92 #LEIvRAC pic.twitter.com/91o2hng9uI
— Rhys Knott (@buck_mitchell) May 12, 2018
Definite yellow there by Nakarawa, third Racing knock down. Clear tactic being used. Barnes abdicated responsibility there. Weather is winking this one at the moment, still think Leinster will come good in last 1/4. #LEIvR92 #ChampionsCupFinal
— ℝ??á? (@RonanB) May 12, 2018
Having had a largely strong game so far, the commentators were erring on the side of caution with Barnes, however, Nakawara himself didn't look so convinced.
You can judge for yourself below.
