Stade Français fly-half Nicolas Sanchez was sent off after a nasty looking challenge on Baptiste Serin during his side's 35-13 defeat away to Toulon last weekend.
The Argentinian international attempted to clear out the ruck where Serin was placed but misjudged his charge, clocking the scrum-half in his face with his shoulder.
Sanchez was clearly repentant for what was a fairly clumsy clear-out and immediately checked to see how Serin was in the aftermath. Already close to tears before the decision, the out-half broke down in the changing room.
Although a clear red card by the letter of the law, there appeared to be a degree of simulation from Serin, if nothing more than to draw attention to the illegal act.
Despite this, referee Ludovic Cayre had no alternative but to give Snachez his marching orders.
The incident happened on the cusp of the half-time whistle, with Toulon leading 15-6 at the time.
Stade Français, without their out-half, did well not to ship too many more points in the second half but were soundly beaten for the seventh time this season by a superior Toulon side.
Sanchez is likely to face a suspension of some sort, with the Ligue National de Rugby (LNR) set to convene in Paris this week for the disciplinary hearing.
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