Gallagher Premiership: PGMOT releases statement after Irne Herbst yellow card mix-up in Harlequins' win over Bath

ByOli Gent

Updated 31/03/2024 at 13:20 GMT+1

The RFU's refereeing body, the PGMOT, has issued an apology after Harlequins' Irne Herbst, who was sin binned in the 63rd minute of their Gallagher Premiership clash with Bath, returned to the pitch three minutes too soon. Bath were in the process of mounting a comeback from 40-3 down, but eventually lost 40-36. The visitors' coach Johann van Graan complained to the referee post-match.

The RFU Professional Game Match Officials Team (PGMOT) has issued an apology after it became clear that Harlequins’ sin-binned lock Irne Herbst returned to the pitch three minutes too early during his side’s match against Bath.

Herbst, the South African second row, was shown a yellow card in the 63rd minute at The Stoop, with Bath in the process of mounting an impressive comeback where they scored 33 unanswered points.

The game finished 40-36, but it was not without controversy after Herbst reappeared three minutes too soon from his 10-minute sin bin, which lead to Bath coach Johann van Graan complaining to the referee post-match.

Premiership

Highlights: Exeter keep slender play-off hopes alive with win over Gloucester

00:03:09

|

28/04/2024 at 19:53

“I flagged it with the referee after the game," Van Graan said afterwards.

“There’s not a lot he can do. On the pitch he wasn’t even aware of it. We went through our team manager and we made the fourth official aware. On a yellow card you’re supposed to be off for 10 minutes, not seven.”

Now, the RFU’s refereeing body, the PGMOT, has issued a statement to apologise for the error.

• Northampton secure bonus-point win over Saracens, Leicester hang on to beat Newcastle

“The RFU Professional Game Match Officials Team (PGMOT) acknowledge and apologise for an error during the Gallagher Premiership match between Harlequins v Bath where a yellow card sanction resulted in Irné Herbst returning to the pitch approximately three minutes too soon,” the statement read.

“We would like to apologise to both teams for this mistake. As is the usual process the PGMOT will review all games to ensure continued improvement and learnings.

‘We switched off’ – Green admits Harlequins were ‘lucky’ to survive Bath fightback

"The result of the match remains final.”

The narrow win has helped move Harlequins, who now occupy fourth in the Premiership table, closer to Bath in second, with Quins now two points off yesterday’s opponents.

Northampton Saints continue to lead the way, and are five points clear at the summit after their 41-30 win over Saracens.

‘It’s just what he does’ – Smith scores a beauty to increase Harlequins’ lead

- - -

TNT Sports presents the premium live sports rights previously carried by BT Sport including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Gallagher Premiership Rugby, Investec Champions Cup, EPCR Challenge Cup, MotoGP, Cricket, UFC, Boxing and WWE. The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports, Eurosport and entertainment in one destination.

Premiership

'I'd take me out of the picture' - Mercer picks his England back row

00:01:05

|

28/04/2024 at 19:52

Premiership

'It's almost like a game of chess' - Mercer reveals how he beats his opponents

00:01:50

|

28/04/2024 at 19:51

Premiership

Feyi-Waboso has 'natural ingredients' to become 'world-class winger' - Healey

28/04/2024 at 19:00