The Ospreys were hit by a £100,000 fine as well as the points deduction for failing to fulfil a league fixture against Ulster citing a lack of front-rowers.

But that punishment was only decided days before the sides’ meeting at the Liberty Stadium which meant the deduction will not apply until next season.

If it had counted in this campaign then Glasgow would have finished second and had home advantage leaving Baillie seething at their 20-5 defeat to the Welsh region.

"Frustrating is an understatement,” he said. “Home advantage was essential and only when you're here do you fully realise how much of an advantage it is.

“We had 150 or so supporters here tonight and at times they made more noise than the Ospreys, but what might it have been like with 10,000 at Firhill?

"Those four points had they been imposed two months ago would have meant a home semi-final and I have no doubts that had the game been in Glasgow the result could have been different."

"We need to think about what we do now. It won't make any difference to this game, and everyone recognises that it was next to impossible to make a decision affecting these semi- finals at a hearing just two days before, but the fact is the timing has cost us a home tie. The hearing should have been earlier.

"The play-offs have been a great addition to the competition and we have to look at how we make the most of them.

“I wouldn't like to overshadow how good a season it has been and I feel desperately sorry for the Glasgow fans, especially those who made their way down here.”