World Rugby has opened an investigation into a picture of South African referee Jaco Peyper in which he appeared to mock the red card shown to Sebastien Vahaamahina.
The France second row was sent off during the quarter-final defeat to Wales for an elbow on Welsh flanker Aaron Wainwright.
In the picture, Peyper's elbow is raised into a fan's chin hours after the game.
Referee Jaco Peyper demonstrating why he sent off Sebastien Vahaamahina in yesterday's quarter-final clash between Wales and France. pic.twitter.com/Zd1ao08Zqm
— SA Rugby magazine (@SARugbymag) October 21, 2019
World Rugby said: "World Rugby is aware of a picture on social media of referee Jaco Peyper with a group of Wales fans taken after last night's [Sunday] quarter-final between Wales and France in Oita.
"It would be inappropriate to comment further while we are establishing the facts."
French Rugby Federation vice-president Serge Simon said on Twitter: "This photo if it is true is shocking and explanations will be necessary."
Wales head coach Warren Gatland and France head coach Jacques Brunel both agreed that Peyper made the right decision to show a red card.
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