The decision to appoint an English referee for Ireland's clash with Argentina has caused quite a stir among rugby supporters.
Luke Pearce will take charge of Friday's Nations Championship clash in Dublin, but one fan has already suggested the result could be a foregone conclusion.
The comment, posted on the International Rugby Facebook page, sparked a lively debate, with plenty of supporters jumping to the referee's defence.
“Congrats Ireland on the win”
One supporter was clearly unhappy with the appointment, suggesting Pearce's nationality could give Ireland an advantage.
They wrote: "Luke Pearce will be the ref for Ireland vs Argentina??? An englishman??? Ok, that's it then. Congrats Ireland on the win."
However, the comment didn't go down particularly well with everyone.
One fan responded: "What a stupid ignorant remark!"
Another wrote: "Luke Pearce is an outstanding referee regardless of his nationality."
A third joked: "Imagine thinking England hate Argentina more than Ireland."
Another supporter simply added: "I'd say let the rugby do the talking."
England and Argentina have plenty of history
It's fair to say England and Argentina haven't always seen eye to eye on the sporting stage.
Their football rivalry goes back decades, with Diego Maradona's infamous 'Hand of God' goal at the 1986 World Cup still remembered by England supporters.
David Beckham's red card against Argentina in 1998 only added to the rivalry, before he got his revenge with a winning penalty four years later.
And there has been plenty of drama more recently.
England suffered a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to Argentina in the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, having taken the lead through Anthony Gordon.
Late goals from Enzo Fernández and Lautaro Martínez sent England crashing out, as confirmed by the official England match report.
Things have also been heated on the rugby pitch.
Ahead of England's summer tour of Argentina, captain Jamie George warned his players could walk off if they suffered a repeat of the racist abuse directed at members of the squad during their previous visit.
Of course, none of that means Pearce will be anything other than impartial on Friday night.
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Referee's nationality causes confusion
There's another twist to the story.
Although Pearce represents England as an international referee, he was actually born in Wales.
One supporter was quick to point this out, commenting: "Technically he's Welsh as he was born in Wales."
The experienced official has taken charge of some of rugby's biggest matches and is widely regarded as one of the game's leading referees.
Ireland v Argentina match officials
Pearce will lead an experienced team of officials for the Nations Championship clash at the Aviva Stadium.
- Referee: Luke Pearce (England)
- Assistant referee: Hollie Davidson (Scotland)
- Assistant referee: Morné Ferreira (South Africa)
- TMO: Andrew Jackson (England)
- Foul Play Review Officer: Matteo Liperini (Italy)
The appointments were confirmed by World Rugby.
The match kicks off at 8.10pm on Friday, 6 November.
With the debate already underway, Pearce will no doubt be hoping the rugby does the talking.
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