Video: Will French players be cited for Saturday incidents?

Guirado hit Dave Kearney with a high tackle while Maestri caught Johnny Sexton late

Ireland’s Dave Kearney is taken out by a high tackle from France’s Guilhelm Guirado during the sides’ Six Nations clash at Stade de France. Photo: James Crombie/Inpho
Ireland’s Dave Kearney is taken out by a high tackle from France’s Guilhelm Guirado during the sides’ Six Nations clash at Stade de France. Photo: James Crombie/Inpho

Much of the talk in the wake of Ireland's 10-9 loss to France at the Stade de France on Saturday was on the subject of certain 'dirty tactics' employed by the home side.

Joe Schmidt was among those who couldn't disguise his anger at the lack of action taken by referee Jaco Peyper following Guilhelm Guirado's high tackle on Dave Kearney and Yoann Maestri's elbow to Johnny Sexton's head.

But we probably haven’t heard the last of it. Schmidt called on World Rugby’s referee manager Joël Jutge to examine the incidents and it would be surprising if action was not taken.

Former Ireland international Alan Quinlan called the officials "an absolute disgrace" and said that they should be stood down. That gives an idea of the level of how bad the incidents were.

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While Maestri’s late hit, described by the BBC’s Brian Moore in commentary as a “cheap shot”, probably only warranted a yellow card, Guirado almost certainly should have seen red.

The tackle will see Kearney spend some time on the sidelines after the impact saw him land awkwardly on his shoulder. It would be hugely surprising if the French hooker did not face further recriminations. Expect some news on the matter around lunch time today.

However, it is worth remembering that Sam Burgess escaped unpunished for a similar tackle and Australia's Michael Hooper during last year's Rugby World Cup.

Should he be cited? Decide for yourself below.

As for Maestri, the public indignation hasn’t quite been of the same level but a citing would not be unsurprising.

You can make your own decision on that one below as well.

Ruaidhrí Croke

Ruaidhrí Croke

Ruaidhrí Croke is a sports journalist with The Irish Times