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Ulster are currently in PRO14 action against Munster at Kingspan Stadium.
It’s been a bruising affair, characterised by one of the very first actions of the game.
Within the first ten seconds, the home support’s singing of Stand Up For The Ulster Men was punctuated by Robert Baloucoune clattering into Darren Sweetnam in the air as the Munster winger collected Billy Burns’ kick off.
After a TMO review, the referee only issued a yellow card for the Enniskillen man, who is making his Ulster debut in place of Jacob Stockdale.
Eddie O’Sullivan on Eir Sport’s coverage was adamant that the 21-year-old should have been given his marching orders by the letter of the law.
"I've seen red cards for less – by the letter of the law he should be gone." Eddie O'Sullivan says Ulster winger Robert Baloucoune was lucky not to get a red card for his early challenge on Darren Sweetnam. #GuinnessPro14 #ULSvMUN pic.twitter.com/UCzfe1cnfp
— eir Sport (@eirSport) December 21, 2018
Baloucoune was soon back from the sin bin, but it was Munster who took the lead courtesy of a JJ Hanrahan penalty.
Soon before half time, Rob Herring scored a try for Ulster, with a Burns conversion making it 7-3 just before the break. The officiating regarding the early tackle may provide further controversy if Ulster edge out the visitors.
