Saturday 20 / April / 2024
Paris: France lock Yoann Maestri lashed out at English referee Wayne Barnes after they were denied a penalty try in the chaotic finale to their 20-18 Six Nations win over Wales on Saturday.
France played nine five-metre scrums after Wales were penalised in the 79th minute while leading 18-13 but, despite their utter domination, were never awarded a penalty try.
Damien Chouly eventually bundled over the line after 20 minutes of added time and Camille Lopez converted to give France their third win in the championship.
"He (Barnes) told us we were not dominant enough," Maestri told reporters. "Anglo-Saxon referees always talk about fair play but the reality is that they think we're cheats.
"When you are repeatedly crushed in a five-metre scrum, you concede defeat," he added.
"There's a complicity between Anglo Saxons and it is in these moments that you realise it," he said. "It was unbelievable."
