Pat Lam was left unhappy at the forensic search for foul play by the officials as Bristol Bears number eight Fitz Harding was yellow-carded for a high tackle in what proved to be the decisive moment of another 10-try thriller against Harlequins.
Having suffered early injuries to captain Steven Luatua and flanker Sam Jeffries, Bristol battled to hold a 29-26 lead in the 64th minute after tries from both injured Bears players, Dave Attwood and Bryan Byrne.
Quins had raced out to a 14-0 lead after a brace of tries from winger Caden Murley, the second a 70m run in from an interception from an ill-advised no-look pass from Harding.
