Ulster fans would be forgiven for believing Champions Cup conspiracy theories

Saracens had two players sent to the sin bin in their 27-9 victory over Ulster at Ravenhill on Friday night, but home fans were baying for more as they slumped to a crushing defeat.

Ulster supporters were livid after Saracens Mike Rhodes received just a yellow card after taking Andrew Trimble out of it after only three minutes of their Champions Cup pool match. Rhodes thundered into Trimble as he claimed a high ball and was fortunate the Ulster winger landed on his back. The incident was dangerously similar to the offence that saw Jared Payne see red against the same side - also after three minutes - in the 2013/14 cup semi-final. A recent rule change means a yellow for players tackled mid-air that land on their back. It is a red card if the fouled player lands on their shoulder or head. So, one could easily say the luck of the bounce - Trimble's - saved Saracens. Here are the two incidents:

PAYNE - 2014 - RED CARD

RHODES - 2015 - YELLOW CARD

There was another yellow card shown to the Premiership side, in the second half. Billy Vunipola was given 10 minutes to cool his jets after a no-arm tackle on Iain Henderson. Rory Best was sent to the bin with a minute to play and Sarries bossed over for their bonus point-clinching fourth try.