The Women's Boat Race quickly became embroiled in controversy on Sunday, with Oxford narrowly avoiding disqualification.
Cambridge made a flying start, with Oxford quickly forced to resort to desperate measures.
In an attempt to reduce the deficit they rapidly picked up the pace, with blades clashing.
Sir Matthew Pinsent, race umpire, mulled over disqualification but eventually opted to resume the race instead.
Drama early on in the women's Boat Race as the red flag comes out! 🚩
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) April 13, 2025
Oxford avoid disqualification and we're back under way on the Thames. 🚣♀️
Watch The Boat Race live on @BBCOne and @BBCiPlayer. #TheBoatRace pic.twitter.com/a3w0sjUjv5
Following the restart, Cambridge were given a 1/3 of a length advantage.
Oxford cox Daniel Orton, in the inferior lane round the first corner, was deemed to be at fault.
Fans on X were left stunned by the early clash, with one user writing: "I thought it was going to be a disqualification for Oxford there."
A second said: "Eventful women's boat race, Oxford nearly being disqualified."
JUST IN: Phil Foden's mum 'decides to sell £3m home' after vile chants from Manchester United fans
Another wrote: "Chaos in the Boat race! Oxford deciding to batter Cambridge with the oars!"
Some, meanwhile, felt Oxford were lucky to be let off the hook.
"Oxford women should have been disqualified," stated one user.
A second added: "Oxford should have been disqualified for that. #BoatRace2025."
READ MORE:Boat Race 2025 erupts in controversy after three rowers banned and race cancelled
The Women's Boat Race quickly became embroiled in controversy on Sunday, with Oxford narrowly avoiding disqualification.
GETTY
And a third said: "Have Oxford or Cambridge ever been disqualified? They do this every year and they never get penalised #theboatrace."
There has beem more drama in the short time since.
2023 Cambridge cox Jasper Parrish has insisted that an appeal will be lodged, regardless of what the end result of the race is.
It isn't the first time that boats have clashed over the years.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Just in 2024, Oxford lodged an appeal claiming Cambridge cut across them.
However, they didn't get the result overturned with their rivals securing victory instead.
The Women's Boat Race has been taking place ever since 1927.
Oxford won the first-ever race, securing the win with a winning time of 03:36.
Cambridge were unhappy with Oxford's antics in the 2025 Women's Boat Race
GETTY
In 2024, Cambridge won the event by seven lengths.
Oxford haven't won the race since 2016.
