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Rob Hynes

Uini Atonio yellow card branded 'ridiculous' after high tackle on Rob Herring

Fans and pundits were left fuming after Wayne Barnes opted to show Uini Atonio only a yellow card during Ireland's Six Nations clash with France.

Atonio's challenge on Rob Herring was high and dangerous, with the Ireland player needing to go off for a HIA afterwards.

Many felt the colour of the card would be red, but Barnes opted to give him a yellow instead.

Read more: Ireland vs France live score updates from the Six Nations

Hugh Cahill and Donal Lenihan were on commentary for RTE and blasted the call made by the referee, reports the Irish Mirror.

Cahill said it was a "ridiculous decision" and Lenihan agreed, adding: "I'm flabbergasted that that's not red."

Bernard Jackman was also working on the game for RTE and stated: "Clear red for me."

A huge number of fans also took to social media to slam the decision.

One wrote: "That's one of the worst refereeing decisions in the history of the 6 Nations. A clear red card for France.."

Another added: "Wow that is usually given as a red card, so France very fortunate to get only a YC."

Someone else said: "France are extremely lucky that’s not a red card. Judgment call by Wayne Barnes. 80% of referees would have gone with a red, I think."

Ireland welcomed reigning Grand Slam champions France to Dublin seeking a record 13th consecutive victory to put themselves in the driving seat for Guinness Six Nations title glory.

Andy Farrell, who has yet to beat Les Bleus as head coach, was forced into one change from last weekend’s emphatic win in Wales, with Dan Sheehan’s hamstring injury handing a chance to back-up hooker Rob Herring.

France are the only visiting side to have won at the Aviva Stadium during Farrell’s tenure and arrived in fine form on the back of 14 victories in a row.

Despite an unconvincing bonus-point win over Italy in round one, head coach Fabien Galthie stuck with an unchanged starting XV.

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