'Awful call': Jaco Peyper in the firing line over controversial decision

REACTION: South African referee Jaco Peyper has received plenty of criticism for his red card decision in Saturday's Six Nations clash between Ireland and England in Dublin

England fullback Freddie Steward was sent off just before half-time in the Grand Slam decider for his collision with opposite number Hugo Keenan.

Keenan collided with Steward's elbow just after stooping down to collect a loose ball.

Steward appeared to stand his ground and brace for the collision, but his elbow connected with Keenan's head.

Peyper decided there was not enough mitigation to avoid giving the red card.

On Twitter, former England flyhalf Andy Goode said it was an "awful call".

"That’s a rugby incident never a red card for Steward," Goode added.

English cricketer Ben Stokes called it a "shambles".

That was just the tip of the iceberg as other former and current rugby players and some fans vented their frustrations.

See below for some of the reactions: