"High degree of danger" – Italy star shown controversial red card against All Blacks

The incident occurred shortly before half-time when Cannone appeared to headbutt All Blacks scrum-half Cam Roigard during an off-the-ball confrontation.

Referee Luc Ramos initially showed the Italy lock a yellow card before referring the incident to the bunker. After reviewing multiple angles, the foul play review officer upgraded the sanction to a red card, citing a "high degree of danger."

Having already spent six minutes in the sin bin while the review was completed, Cannone's dismissal meant Italy would play the final 14 minutes with just 14 players.

The decision immediately divided opinion among supporters, with many taking to social media to debate whether the punishment fit the offence.

Some supporters felt the officials had been too harsh.

One fan wrote: "Red card for Cannone… That seems very harsh for me. Especially the 'high degree of danger'. Yellow at most."

Another frustrated Italy supporter questioned the officiating, posting: "When are you going to make yourselves heard as a federation on the scandal of the referees who always disadvantage Italy?"

A third claimed: "New Zealand getting New Zealand-style refereeing. They don't need it and it does them no favours in the eyes of the rest of the world."

However, plenty of fans backed the decision.

One supporter wrote: "How is anyone thinking that red card is harsh? He's used his head recklessly, it's spot on."

Another added: "In fairness, what the f* is Cannone doing there? Absolute brain explosion.