In a heated exchange following Bath's Champions Cup semi-final defeat, French broadcaster France Télévisions has fired back at criticism from Bath boss Johann van Graan over the use of the Television Match Official (TMO).

Van Graan was left frustrated after his side's 38-26 loss to Bordeaux-Bègles, claiming that three separate incidents of head contact on Bath's Alfie Barbeary were missed by officials. "Certain things are not picked up when you play away from home in France," he said, calling for greater "consistency" from the match officials.

But France Télévisions' rugby editor, Cedric Beaudou, has dismissed those claims, insisting that the TMO has full access to all available footage. "The video referee is the master of what he wants to see, and nowadays he has access to every camera, every angle," Beaudou told AFP. "Until he makes his decisions, we leave him to see what he wants to see. It's impossible to hide footage."

European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR), the tournament organizers, also stepped in to defend the TMO process. They explained that the video referee operates with two screens: one showing live action and another with a five-second delay—a system used identically across all EPCR matches. "Every incident the TMO wants to study can be the subject of a formal review," an EPCR spokesperson confirmed.

While Van Graan accepted that Bath were outplayed on the day, the controversy adds a layer of tension ahead of the Champions Cup final on May 23, where Bordeaux will defend their title against Leinster. For rugby fans, this debate highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing technology with the fast-paced nature of the sport—a topic that's sure to spark discussion in clubhouses and on the pitch alike.