Oita (Japan) (AFP)
World Rugby said Monday it was "establishing the facts" before deciding on the photo showing match referee Galles-France in the World Cup quarterfinals, Jaco Peyper, miming with Welsh fans the gesture elbow of Sebastien Vahaamahina, excluded for this brutality.
"World Rugby is aware of a photo on social media showing Jaco Peyper with a group of Wales fans after the quarter-final between Wales and France yesterday (Sunday) in Oita." to make further comment while we are establishing the facts, "said the international federation in a statement.
In this photo, the South African referee, along with seven Welsh fans, mimics Vahaamahina's elbow on Welsh third line Aaron Wainwright, which resulted in a 49th-minute dismissal in the defeat of the Blues ( 20-19).
"When we wake up and we see that, it's shocking, even inadmissible, you have to be careful and see if it's a real photo or a montage, and that's what I'm going to ask World Rugby. go tonight (Monday) in Tokyo for the whole week, we will analyze "reacted the president of the French Rugby Federation Bernard Laporte at the microphone of the channel BFM TV.
"If it's true, it's inconceivable and inadmissible, we're making fun of Sébastien Vahaamahina and France, and I think it deserves a heavy sanction because a referee must be exemplary outside and on the field". he adds.
"If this photo is true it is shocking and explanations will be necessary" had written on Sunday evening the vice-president of the Federation, Serge Simon, on his Twitter account.
Vahaamahina will be auditioned Thursday by an independent commission of discipline, indicated World Rugby, without specifying the place.
© 2019 AFP