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World Rugby are investigating referee Jaco Peyper. The South African official took charge of Sunday’s RWC 2019 Quarter Final between France and Wales in Oita.
The match went down to the wire with Wales claiming a late 20-19 victory, doing so after having been behind for the duration of the contest. The win saw Ross Moriarty scoring in the final minutes against what was a 14-man French side.
Earlier on in the second half Peyper had red carded France’s Sébastien Vaha’amahina. The decision was never in doubt with the French second-rower having committed clear foul play by elbowing Aaron Wainwright in the face during a maul.
Later on in the evening Peyper was photographed together with Welsh supporters using his elbow in a gesture to replicate that of the red card.
The circulation of the image resulted in an uproar with Peyper being heavily criticized. France Rugby Vice President Dr. Serge Simon tweeted on the incident:
“This photo if it is true is shocking and explanations will be necessary”
The match was the 50th for Peyper in his refereeing career. His chances of receiving a Semi Final, Bronze Final or the RWC 2019 Final would now appear to be over.
