Rugby referee Jaco Peyper has caused uproar with an image posted online in which he is surrounded by a group of Welsh rugby supporters and appears to be mocking France forward Sebastian Vahaamahina.
Peyper was the man in the middle of Wales narrow 20-19 victory over the French yesterday and sent off Vahaamahina for a reckless elbow into the face of Welsh back-rower Aaron Wainwright, nine minutes into the second-half.
The decision was easy to make and changed the tide of the game as the French just failed to to hold onto a famous win.
However, the photo has now done the rounds online with many questioning Peyper’s professionalism, and World Rugby have now confirmed that they will be investigating the picture.
“World Rugby is aware of a picture on social media of referee Jaco Peyper with a group of Wales fans taken after last night’s quarter-final between Wales and France in Oita. It would be inappropriate to comment further while we are establishing the facts,” a spokesperson said.
French Rugby Federation vice president Dr Serge Simon is fuming at the photo and is expecting an explanation.
“This photo if it is true is shocking and explanations will be necessary,” he said on Twitter.
There is no doubt that the Clermont star was in the wrong and will receive a lengthy ban for his actions one would imagine.
What remains to be seen now is if he will be joined on the sidelines by the man who sent him off.
