Sergio Parisse's hopes of a dream Six Nations send off with Italy are over after he was sent off for Toulon over the weekend.
The 39-year-old, who lost his Dad in the days before the game, was given his marching orders in the 34th minute when he lifted centre Pierre-Louis Barassi and drove him into the ground.
The TMO and referee reviewed the tackle and promptly decided that it warranted a red card. Parisse duly accepted the decision and left the pitch.
One fan wrote: "Top man. Pretty clear (easy after the fact) that he needed to process his loss. Not sure when this was but hope he’s ok."
A second commented: "There's still something i find too intrusive about changing room cameras, this feels like a bit much to broadcast (not op for posting, just stuff like this in general)"
Another said: "Personally, This is really positive masculinity. He's made an error, he accepts that, respects the official for doing his job, remain professional. Then feels comfortable enough to express his feelings in an incredibly raw manner. His co workers are straight to show him support and help him."
Sergio Parisse sobbing:
Sergio Parisse red card:
DID YOU KNOW? Sergio Parisse was born in La Plata, capital of Province of Buenos Aires, Argentina, to Italian parents.
SERGIO PARISSE DREAM TEAM:
BACK-THREE:
- 15. Stuart Hogg (Scotland)
- 14. Shane Williams (Wales)
- 11. Bryan Habana (South Africa)
CENTRES:
- 13. Brian O'Driscoll (Ireland)
- 12. Ma'a Nonu (New Zealand)
HALFBACKS:
- Fly-half: Jonny Wilkinson (England)
- Scrum-half: Aaron Smith (New Zealand)
FRONT-ROW:
- Loosehead-prop: Os du Randt (South Africa)
- Hooker: Leonardo Ghiraldini (Italy)
- Tighthead-prop: Martin Castrogiovanni (Italy)
DID YOU KNOW? In football, Sergio Parisse supports Inter Milan in Serie A along with the Italian national team.
SECOND-ROW:
- Lock: Alun Wyn Jones (Wales)
- Lock: Eben Etzebeth (South Africa)
BACK-ROW:
- Blindside-flanker: Mauro Bergamasco (Italy)
- Openside-flanker: Richie McCaw (New Zealand)
- Number 8: Kieran Read (New Zealand)
DID YOU KNOW? Parisse has been twice nominated for the prestigious World Rugby Player of the Year award. He remains the only Italian player to ever be nominated
