Ireland centre Bundee Aki received a straight red card for a high tackle on England number eight Billy Vunipola during Saturday’s Six Nations clash.

Vunipola carried the ball low in the second half when Aki made a big hit on the back rower, stopping Vunipola in his tracks and forcing the big number eight from the field.

However after referring to the TMO, referee Mathieu Raynal brandished a red card to Aki for making initial contact with his shoulder to the head of Vunipola.

REACTION:

Definitely red.

— Jim Hamilton (@jimhamilton4) March 20, 2021

Sigh. Once again a ref finds madness where the rest of us find normality. Feel for Bundee Aki. That is harsh.

— Brenden Nel (@BrendenNel) March 20, 2021

What’s Bundee Aki supposed to do when Billy Vunipola makes himself almost half a foot smaller🤷🏻‍♂️ #IREvENG

— John McHugh (@KillerMcHugh) March 20, 2021

#SixNationsRugby I don’t feel that’s a red !? Tough on Bundee Aki that !

— Matt Gilbert (@ReturnofdGilb) March 20, 2021

I’m English. That should not be a red card. Rugby is a joke now. Very harsh on Bundee Aki, he’s practically on his knees making a ‘high tackle’. So very disappointing to see how far the sport has fallen. #IREvENG

— ɢʀᴜᴍᴘᴘᴇ1 (@Grumppe1) March 20, 2021

Let me preface this by saying I was knocked out numerous times, first aged 13. I’m all for head protection but the Bundee Aki decision was borderline given height & intention. It’s played fast, I think we forget that at times when watching replays. #IREvsENG #GuinnessSixNations

— Tulsen Tollett (@TulsenTollett) March 20, 2021

Right call the red card there for Aki, so upright in the tackle

— Andy Goode (@AndyGoode10) March 20, 2021

So he drops then! …Aki targets chest and ball and wraps arms around shoulders….Ref may have taken his time but empathy and context not considered IMO

— Mike Friday (@MikeFriday09) March 20, 2021