Referee mimics send off with Welsh fans

South African referee Jaco Peyper has angered French rugby fans, after posing in a photo with Welsh fans mimicking a crucial World Cup quarterfinal red card offence against France.

Controversy clouded the match, with two calls from Peyper under the spotlight.

With 30 minutes to go France lock Sebastien Vahaamahina was given a red card for foul play, and in the 74th minute Welshman Ross Moriarty’s try was clouded by an apparent forward pass.

The try earned Wales a 20-19 win and a place in Sunday’s semifinal against South Africa.

After the match Peyper was caught on camera seemingly mimicking the game-changing red card shown to Vahaamahina while apparently posing for a picture with Wales fans.

The image is circulating on social media showing Peyper posing with jubilant Wales fans – and apparently making reference to the incident, raising his elbow to seemingly mimic the clash while alongside several Wales supporters, Wales Online reported.

After consultation with the TMO, Peyper showed little hesitation in showing the Frenchman a red card.

After footage showed the replays of the incident, Peyper said: ‘‘It’s very clear. You all think that’s a red card?’’

While the photo was taken in jest, the image has already sparked controversy.

‘‘Shame on that man,’’ one French fan wrote.

Another said: ‘‘Card fully justified, but after this photo I do wonder about the impartiality of the man in black.’’

Others called for Peyper to be left out of semifinal contention.

‘‘I’ve never rated Jaco Peyper that highly as a referee. I can only hope this photo excludes him as a World Rugby pick for the semi-finals,’’ said one Twitter user.

Another said the photo was ‘‘Shameful. Like his performance.’’

A Welsh Twitter user also said the photo was wrong.

France coach Jacques Brunel has expressed disappointment at Wales being awarded a match-winning try after television replays showed the ball straying forward before the touchdown.

It remains to be seen if Peyper will take charge of another game, with referees for the semifinals to be announced later this week.