Wales star Christ Tshiunza found himself at the centre of a hugely controversial call during Exeter Chiefs' European Champions Cup clash with Montpellier on Sunday afternoon.
The 21-year-old was on the end of a high challenge from Zach Mercer, whose shoulder appeared to make contact with the head of Tshiunza in a nasty-looking challenge 10 minutes into the second half.
The incident was sent to the TMO, with replays of the incident met with howls of anguish from the home crowd.
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"I'm seeing 8 from Montpellier hitting upright into the tackle. Clear foul play," referee Andrew Brace said while reviewing the decision with TMO Joy Neville.
"He's hitting upright into the tackle. I'm not seeing any mitigation here."
Irishman Brace then took the decision to show the red card.
Mercer politely protested, insisting his 'knees were bent' before heading into the challenge, shaking the hand of Tshiunza before making his way off the field.
"The only thing you can really debate is the high level of danger, and Zack Mercer goes straight over to Christ Tshiunza, says sorry and shakes his hand," one of the BT Sport pundit says. "He kind of knows, doesn't he?"
The decision clearly sparked some debate on social media, with plenty seemingly showing some sympathy to Mercer.
One user wrote: "Fair play rugby is absolutely finished if that’s a red."
Another wrote: "Referees honestly have no idea anymore. They don't know what is or isn't mitigation. What is or isn't a red card."
However, others appeared to side with the officials.
One account, Couch Referee, wrote: "For all the people in the comments and mentions complaining about the decision. Take a step back What if Mercer had better tackle tech and didn’t go into contact upright. Player must bear the consequences of making the wrong decision and putting himself in that situation."
The game itself went to extra-time, after finishing 26-26 in regular time.
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