RFU probe fan versus ref incident

During the match, Garner sent off Bath and England wing Anthony Watson for a dangerous tackle on Saracens' Alex Goode as the southwest club were beaten 30-10.

It has been alleged that a male fan made his way into the officials' room, situated near the players' dressing room at the Recreation Ground and confronted Garner.

Nearly 24 hours after the incident took place, and with the RFU having already confirmed an inquiry was underway, Bath issued a statement saying: "Bath Rugby are aware of an incident involving the match officials which took place after the game against Saracens last night.

"In conjunction with the RFU and Premiership Rugby, the club is currently investigating the incident and will ensure appropriate action is taken."

Garner looked at television replays before producing the red card, to Watson's evident fury.

Watson also appeared to exchange words with Saracens wing Chris Ashton, who had pushed him following his challenge on Goode and possibly impeded him beforehand.

Bath coach Mike Ford, speaking after Friday's match, said: "By the letter of the law, it is a sending off, isn't it? He (Watson) got underneath Alex, and Alex landed awkwardly.

"You get underneath the guy jumping, take his legs away and he lands awkwardly like he did, it's a red.

"Anthony is gutted. He was going for the ball, Ashton checked his run, and then all of a sudden he is underneath the player. It was an accident.

"We will have a look at it. We will fight his corner."

Saracens boss Mark McCall also came to Watson's defence.

"The letter of the law says it is possibly a red card, but I feel sorry for Anthony because it was not intentional," McCall said.

"His route to Alex was slightly disrupted by one of our players. He had to change course, he doesn't time it well, but it was what it was. It didn't change the course of the game."

Agence France-Presse