Watch: Ref says 'sorry' to Cipriani before showing him red card for high tackle

Danny Cipriani was shown a red card for a high tackle on Rory Scannell in Gloucester’s European Champions Cup meeting with Munster on Saturday and could be facing a lengthy ban.

Gloucester fly-half Cipriani was given his marching orders in the 29th minute at Thomond Park for a clumsy tackle on Scannell that saw his shoulder connect with the Munster centre’s head. Referee Alexandre Ruiz even went as far as apologising in advance to Cipriani for the impending send-off, with the letter of the law stating he must receive a red card.

The 30-year-old offered an apologetic thumbs up to his opponent as he made his way off the pitch.

Despite a string of impressive performances at the start of his Gloucester career, Cipriani was this week omitted from Eddie Jones’ England squad for the November internationals.

Danny Cipriani has been sent off ?

He knew straight away he was going to be shown red for this tackle.

He apologised on his way off but his week has gone from bad to worse… pic.twitter.com/XGga2MHz2P

— Rugby on TNT Sports (@rugbyontnt) October 20, 2018

England boss Jones said the fly-half was behind George Ford and Owen Farrell in the pecking order and challenged him to work on certain areas of his game.

Toulouse centre Jerome Kaino was handed a five-week ban following a similar tackle on Bath’s Jamie Roberts last weekend.

The decision brought the ire of fans and players alike with Saracens No 8 Billy Vunipola tweeting ‘another game ruined’, while other fans were completely irate.

https://twitter.com/bvunipola/status/1053626141058195458

The fucking game has gone soft!!! A yellow ???? #shocking #MUNVGLO

— Joanna Mills (@jomariemiles) October 20, 2018

Letter of the law, that's a red card #MUNvGLO

— Three Red Kings (@threeredkings) October 20, 2018

Others were impressed with Cipriani’s acceptance of the card, praising the flyhalf for his demeanour.

I'd love to have a pint with @DannyCipriani87. Took his red card like a man and apologised to Scannell on the way off like a gent. #MUNvGLO

— Ciaran Breslin (@c_breslin83) October 20, 2018

Danny Cipriani gets slaughtered by the dimwits regularly, but his behaviour was exemplary after the red card today. Took it with grace, no histrionics and enquired about the Munster player he tackled as he went off. Many can learn from that example.

— Andrew Baldock (@balders2) October 20, 2018

The incident will now put Cipriani’s England future further in doubt with a ban imminent.