Rugby fans outraged as 'horrific' incident bends Wales winger's neck but ref fails to give red card

The referee who will take of Ireland v Wales next week has come in for huge criticism following a highly controversial decision during the Scarlets’ clash with Ulster on Friday night.

South African official Jaco Peyper opted to issue just a yellow card to Irish international Craig Gilroy following a sickening collision during the United Rugby Championship fixture at Belfast’s Kingspan Stadium.

In the 27th minute of the game, Gilroy put in a shoulder to the side of the head of opposite number Tom Rogers, as the Scarlets and Wales winger was passing the ball out.

Rogers’ head rocked back dramatically with the impact and he was to fail a HIA after leaving the field following treatment.

Peyper ruled it was foul play by Gilroy, but decided there was sufficient mitigation to bring the punishment down from a red to a yellow card.

His argument was that Rogers’ height was dropping as his jersey was grabbed from behind by another Ulster player.

But it’s a decision which has provoked widespread condemnation on social media.

It has been called “disgusting”, “ridiculous”, “terrible”, “crazy”, “scandalous” and “an absolute shocker” amid the plethora of comments.

Some have defended Peyper’s call on the basis that Rogers was dipping down, with his knee on the ground.

But the overwhelming verdict has been that a red card should have been issued, with many pointing to the fact that Gilroy - who went on to score a try - was high and led with his shoulder.

Former Wales Grand Slam winner Tom Shanklin, who was commentating on the game for Premier Sports, agrees it should have been a sending off.

Initially, he felt Peyper had got it right, but then after watching repeated replays he changed his view.

Speaking at half-time, the ex-centre