The referee for Spain’s clash with Belgium has been the subject of violent confrontations after some controversial decisions led to Spain not automatically qualifying for the 2019 Rugby World Cup, according to a report on Wales Online.
Spain’s aim for automatic qualification to the World Cup ended in disaster as they were defeated by Belgium, which handed Romania qualification.
The match was ironically officiated by a set of Romanian referees, who left the players incensed by some of the decisions given in favour of Belgium.
The furious players tried to get hold of referee Vlad Lordăchescu at the final whistle and he had to be quickly escorted off the pitch and out of the stadium.
The appointment of the Romanian referee was made by Rugby Europe and Spain requested a change to the officials prior to the match.
However, their request was ignored and the Spanish players and staff believe that the Romanian officials purposefully gave decisions against them to ensure that Romania makes their way directly into Pool A of the World Cup in Japan.
Spain must now face Portugal later on in the year, with the winner facing Samoa in a playoff. The winner of that then qualifies for the World Cup which begins in about 18 months.
