SOUTH African referee Jaco Peyper is subject to a World Rugby investigation after he seemingly mocked the game-altering red card shown to France lock Sebastien Vahaamahia in a picture with Welsh fans.
Vahaamahia was sent off after he elbowed Newport-born Aaron Wainwright in Wales’ knife-edge quarter-final win on Sunday.
In the photo, Peyper’s elbow is raised into a fan’s chin just hours after he brandished the red card.
Jaco Peyper dans un bel hommage à Vahaamahina. Photo de Fabien Heuzé pic.twitter.com/g5vo93413s
— Arnaud Coudry (@ArnaudCoudry) October 20, 2019
“This photo, if it is true, is shocking and explanations will be necessary,” said French Rugby Federation vice-president Serge Simon, a former France prop.
In a statement, World Rugby said: “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 (Sunday) quarter-final between Wales and France in Oita.
“It would be inappropriate to comment further while we are establishing the facts.”
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France were 19-10 ahead before Peyper showed a red card – a decision which ultimately swung the match in Wales’ favour.
Warren Gatland’s men face South Africa in Yokohama on Sunday, November 2.
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