Rugby fans across Europe were left stunned on Friday night after a remarkable incident involving a referee being hoisted into the air by a player.
Official Laurent Millotte was visibly shocked when Nevers winger Josaia Raisuqe grabbed him from behind and lifted him above his shoulders after he blew the final whistle to confirm victory over Beziers in the French ProD2 match.
Raisuqe's own team-mates looked on in horror as the moment unfolded and, after protestations from the Beziers players, the seemingly confused official showed Raisuqe a red card.
The bizarre incident sparked a big reaction, with many remarking they have never seen the like before on a rugby pitch.
Raisuqe now faces a ban for his actions, and coach Xavier Pemeja was not happy with his player.
“It’s intolerable. He’ll be punished by the league’s disciplinary committee,” Pemeja told Canal+ television.
“I’ll deal with him. I can’t accept it. What happened at the end there it’s going to be very bad,” he added.
Wales international Jamie Roberts branded the incident "ridiculous", while others described it as disrespectful despite Raisuqe's jovial nature as he put his hands on the ref. There were, of course, plenty who found amusement in the whole thing.
The 26-year-old Fijian is no stranger to controversy after he was sacked by Top 14 side Stade Francais for gross misconduct in relation to an incident in a Paris nightclub in July, 2017.
