Rugby fans are up in arms after Wallabies winger Marika Koroibete was sent off just moments into the Test series decider against France.
In a moment of major controversy, the Wallabies lost Koroibete in the fourth minute of the third and final Test for a thumping tackle on French No. 8 Anthony Jelonch that triggered a roar from the Brisbane crowd.
It appeared to be a huge statement of intent to lift the Wallabies at the start of the match, but the match officials opted to stop play as the TMO investigated the tackle.
The tackle forced the ball from Jelonch's grasp as the Frenchman eventually grabbed at his face, suggesting contact with the head.
Initial replays showed Koroibete making fair contact with the chest, before another angle showed the powerful Wallabies winger's shoulder rising up to contact Jelonch's chin.
🔴 Controversy! 🔴
— Wide World of Sports (@wwos) July 17, 2021
Marika Koroibete has been red-carded inside the first 5️⃣ minutes. 🤨
STREAM: https://t.co/KrY6w39tAr#9WWOS #AUSvFRA #Rugby #Wallabies #France pic.twitter.com/gz7soRYubi
Match official Ben O'Keefe deliberated with his linesmen before calling Koroibete over and immediately reaching into his pocket to issue the red card and reduce the Wallabies to 14 men.
All Blacks legend Andrew Mehrtens labelled the red card an "absolute travesty" in Nine's live commentary, while fans on Twitter were livid with the refereeing decision.
Final thoughts on Koroibete red@WorldRugby have allowed refereeing to reach this point due to a complete lack of accountability + it’s hard to envisage what will have to happen for something to change.
— Sam Phillips (@samphillips06) July 17, 2021
The 20 min red must be brought in to stop the impact of weekly howlers. pic.twitter.com/b1Vy71OmxQ
I actually can’t watch this sport anymore. It’s ridiculous. The sport I loved and played professionally is nothing what it once was. It’s nothing short of ruined. #AUSvFRA
— figgiesmalls (@SamuelFigg) July 17, 2021
Red card for Koroibete is one of the worst calls I’ve ever seen. #AUSvFRA
— Michaaaaael (@MichaelLFCNZ) July 17, 2021
The French capitalised on the Koroibete red card immediately, scoring a try to take a 10-0 lead after an earlier penalty, before two quickfire Wallabies tries saw David Rennie's young side hit the lead.