networkn:

 

I entirely agreed with the red card decision but was massively disappointed when the crowd erupted into cheers when the card was presented. It robbed the game of it's chance to be a spectacle. I can only thank goodness that the AB's also rarely put on a poor performance two tests in a row either. 

 

I was at the game. 

Most of the people around me (ABs and French supporters) cheered when the ref went for his pocket, but reacted negatively when they realised it was a red card.  It was loud, but where I was it wasn't a positive reaction to the red at all.

I don't think the ref had any option but to issue the red according to the rules. 

I think we need to have an orange card.  A player orange carded would be sent off the field for the duration of the game and placed on report.  But, unlike a red card, after 10 minutes they can be replaced with a different player.  So the team is reduced to 22 players, still 15 on the pitch.