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Wales Online
Wales Online
Sport
Katie Sands

Cardiff youngster consoled and given standing ovation after being sent off on debut amid special scenes

Cardiff youngster Jacob Beetham was given a standing ovation as he left the field following his sending off against Toulouse.

Debutant Beetham, just 20, was red carded late on during Cardiff's valiant 39-7 defeat to the European Champions Cup title holders.

The full-back had been one of the bright sparks on a remarkable afternoon when he misjudged a tackle on Baptiste Germaine just before the 75th minute, making contact with the Toulouse man's head and receiving a straight red card as a result.

Referee Karl Dickson told the youngster: "It's direct contact to the head, obviously it's high-speed collision, no mitigation, it's going to be a red card."

The Wales U20s international was quickly consoled by captain Ellis Jenkins, while Josh Adams also approached him to offer words of support before clapping him off the pitch.

As Brecon-born Beetham left the field, he was given a remarkable reception from the Arms Park crowd, who rose to roar him off with a standing ovation.

It was an unprecedented occasion in the Welsh capital as a cobbled-together Cardiff team, featuring 11 debutants and a number of semi-professionals, gave everything against the reigning European champions in a display of impressive courage.

They were missing 42 players due to a mixture of Covid isolation, injury and suspension.

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