‘The sooner he’s gone the better’ – Ulster boss slammed by own fans after blaming referee for defeat

Ulster Rugby head coach Dan McFarland ahead of the Heineken Champions Cup round of 16 match at the Aviva Stadium, Dublin. Picture date: Saturday April 1, 2023.

Under pressure Ulster head coach Dan McFarland has been criticised by his supporters for hitting out at the refereeing during their defeat to the Ospreys.

The 51-year-old took charge of the province in 2018 but patience has started to wear thin for the fans following a frustrating couple of seasons.

Their latest defeat, a 19-17 reversal at the hands of the Ospreys, saw the Welsh region move above the Irish side in the United Rugby Championship table.

Disappointment in both competitions

Ulster now reside in eighth place following four defeats in 10 league games, while they have also been eliminated from the Champions Cup.

The Ospreys claimed the win despite having two players sin-binned during the clash as Dan Edwards’ late drop-goal snatched an impressive triumph.

After the encounter, McFarland stated that he was “proud” of his team and then slammed the officiating, which he felt went against the province.

“The game was pretty scrappy in that first half. The ball was pretty greasy and we looked a little bit rusty after the break,” McFarland told Viaplay.

“Ultimately, the game came down to two instances, both where we were in control, one in their 22 where they got an intercept pass and the second one was at the end of the game where we were in total control and the refereeing decision called a scrum on the back of a maul.

“I have literally no idea what that was about. You see that every week. I’m going to ask and find out because ultimately those two instances decided the game in the Ospreys’ favour.”

Fans reaction

McFarland’s view was not echoed by the supporters, who have become increasingly frustrated over the past couple of years.

For some, this is the last straw and they have called on the Ulster hierarchy to change their head coach.

“This is toxic. Not a view held by any right thinking @UlsterRugby fan and I personally want to distance myself from it,” Ian Frizzell wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

“Supporting UR for over a quarter of a century and never heard the like. The sooner he’s gone the better.”

Another added: “Blaming the ref? God, McFarland’s hit the bottom of his excuse pile, embarrassed to be an Ulster fan with this man at the helm.”

‘Embarrassed’ was the watchword for many Ulster fans, with one writing, “P*** off, Dan. This Ulster fan deeply embarrassed to see head coach blaming the ref.

“Ulster didn’t lose that on marginal calls. Lost if for same structural reasons for dismal run of results over last 15 months. Bit of decorum and introspection the least he could offer up.”

Even former players aren’t impressed, including Ulster and Ireland great Stephen Ferris, who sarcastically put: “Any Ulster fan that wants to know why things aren’t going to plan, just remember it’s the referees fault…”