It happens. Had a similar issue with Qatar.
First flight took off late, just about made it to the second one, but they wouldn’t let us board. Kept lying about the reasons such as not having any meals on board for us. Ridiculous, considering it was our scheduled connection.
Of course they had to provide food and accommodation.
When I claimed, they refused to pay, lying that it was a medical emergency. CAA challenged their assertion and they went quiet. Won’t ever fly with those scammers again.