This archive report was first published on 21 October 2019.
On October 20, 2019, Wales beat France 20-19 in a dramatic rugby World Cup quarter-final, with South African referee Jaco Peyper officiating the game.
During the match, Peyper sent off France lock Sebastien Vahaamahina for elbowing Aaron Wainwright in the face when France were leading 19-10.
A picture being circulated on social media appears to show Peyper in the middle of a group of Welsh fans, raising his elbow to seemingly mimic the incident that led to Vahaamahina’s sending off.
As a result, Peyper has faced criticism from French rugby fans, with one fan writing on Twitter, 'As much as Vahaamahina deserves his red card, Jaco Peyper deserves to stop officiating in the World Cup after that. He can celebrate his match but this joke is unworthy of a referee.'
Another fan added, 'Card fully justified, but after this photo I do wonder about the impartiality of the man in black.'
Wales rallied to win after the red card, setting up a semi-final with South Africa.
Sebastien Vahaamahina is scheduled to attend an independent judicial committee hearing into his sending off on October 24, 2019.
