England No.8 Billy Vunipola found no respite from the fallout of his support for Australian Israel Folau's homophobic posts in Saracens' shock Gallagher Premiership defeat at Bristol on Saturday.
The former Pontypool schoolboy was roundly booed by the Ashton Gate crowd after entering the fray after 51 minutes and continued to be jeered every time he touched the ball.
Vunipola faces a grilling by RFU bosses over his stated support for Folau who has been criticised over homophobic posts on social media, with his national union stating they intended to terminate his contract.
The match was tight throughout and came down to a penalty, conceded at a ruck 30 metres out, which Bristol replacement fly-half Ian Madigan slotted to earn his relegation-threatened side their seventh league win this season.
But the post-match discussion with Saracens coach Mark McCall was dominated by Vunipola, who had controversially defended Folau.
Vunipola's Instagram posts are now the subject of a Rugby Football Union investigation and are also being looked into by the club.
McCall said of Vunipola's mindset going into the match: "He is a human being and he is also keen to do well for his team-mates. He is a great club man. I thought he did well when he came on in fairness.
"But he is a human being and I am sure there is stuff going on in his head. The club have made a clear statement and we have not sat down with him yet. I will talk to him myself.
"The decision to play him (Vunipola) from the bench was made before what happened, happened."
McCall said of the booing during the game: "I am not sure if it is surprising. It was unexpected. I don't want to get dragged into anything. My opinion is not that relevant."
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The Bristol Bears' PA system played gay anthem, "It's Raining Men" by The Weather Girls at full-time and the club's official Twitter account posted a message with two rainbow emojis.
Vunipola will meet with club and RFU bosses next week to discuss the matter and McCall was keen not to get drawn on his own opinion surrounding the matter, constantly referring to the statement Saracens issued earlier in the day.
Vunipola has been axed by Channel Four from their Heineken Cup coverage and could potentially lose further endorsements.
