The Italian was sent off for this incident, in which it was deemed he elbowed an opponent.
It didn’t seem intentional on Sergio Parisse’s part, and the better part of recklessness belonged to his opponent.
In spite of playing the rest of the game with 14 – and at times 13 – men, Stade were comfortable throughout, eventually winning 46-15.
Sergio Parisse red card:
SOCIAL REACTION:
Man runs into Sergio Parisse’s shoulder. Parisse gets sent off. What a ridiculous and dangerous precedent this sets for rugby. Player safety is key to our sport but denying a player the option of bracing for a heavy impact tackle is idiotic. This rule needs reviewing. #Top14
— doogie (@doogie_nights) August 25, 2018
Sergio Parisse red-carded in the first half of the first game of the Top 14 season. Elbow high but feels very harsh, protecting himself while collecting a high ball. Stade lead 29-3. #USAPSFP
— Paul Eddison (@pauleddison) August 25, 2018