New Zealand referee Ben O'Keeffe has been accused of 'committing the cardinal sin' for appearing the celebrate a Fiji try in their defeat to Australia in the World Cup.
O'Keeffe was in charge of the thriller in Sapporo as the Wallabies battled back from a 21-12 deficit to run out 39-21 winners in their Pool D opener.
TV pictures showed Waisea Nayacalevu walking back from scoring between the posts, when O'Keeffe extended his right arm and reaches out for a low-five which the big Fijian obliges.
The Australian media waded into Kiwi, accusing the official of "committing the cardinal sin".
And Fox Sports felt "the gesture leaves O'Keeffe open to come under attack".
"Regardless of his intentions or the motivations behind the gesture, it just shouldn't happen," the media outlet added.
The New Zealand media joined in the debate believing the 30-year-old Auckland-born eye specialist should receive a rap over the knuckles and nothing else.
Marc Hinton writing for Stuff.co.nz: "His brain snap low five has subsequently caused a stir in Australian media where it has been highlighted and questioned.
"O'Keeffe is an ophthalmologist by trade and, frankly, the optics on this isolated incident are appalling.
"There is simply no place in top professional sport for a referee to engage in any sort of celebratory actions with a player. End of.
"It's a fine line that referees tread in the modern game of rugby and O'Keeffe certainly crossed it with this action.
"But the Kiwi should not be hung out to dry for this. It's a lapse in judgment, rather than anything sinister.
"O'Keeffe should be reminded of his obligations as a referee and the scrutiny he's under at all times on the field.
"This should be a learning moment for a young official who has made a mental error more than anything.
"He has certainly crossed that line, but there can be no doubt it's a blurry one.
"Welshman Nigel Owens is widely lauded as the top referee in the game and is renowned for his banter with players during matches.
"He often engages in witty back-and-forths with captains and sometimes other players in matches he officiates in, and it is always good natured.
"But where O'Keeffe erred was to make a gesture that could be interpreted a certain way, whatever its intent. He needs to take that on board and become a better referee for it."
