Italy legend Sergio Parisse is set for a spell on the sidelines after being sent off in Toulon’s Top 14 clash against Toulouse.
On Saturday evening, Toulon claimed a 17-6 victory over Toulouse in the Top 14. The win looks to come at a cost, as Parisse could face a lengthy ban.
Parisse sees red
The 39-year-old was given his marching orders in the 34th minute when he lifted centre Pierre-Louis Barassi and drove him into the ground.
The TMO and referee reviewed the tackle and promptly decided that it warranted a red card. Parisse duly accepted the decision and left the pitch.
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🟥 Sergio Parisse sent off versus Toulouse. pic.twitter.com/EY2BjaSyQp
— Jared Wright (@jaredwright17) February 18, 2023
At the time of the incident, Toulon held a 10-3 lead over Toulouse. Facundo Isa scored their opening try, Baptiste Serin added the conversion and a penalty.
Toulouse fullback Melvyn Jaminet was off the mark in the encounter missing shots at goal on either side of halftime before eventually getting one over after the hour mark.
Tempers
Tempers boiled over in the final ten minutes of the game. Toulon winger Jiuta Wainiqolo and Rynhardt Elstadt clashed. Wainiqolo shoved Elstadt, and the South African retaliated by shoving the winger in the face.
Wainiqolo’s actions earned him a yellow card, while the officials felt Elstadt’s reaction merited a red card.
C’est la bagarre ! 🟨Carton jaune pour Wainiqolo!🟥Rouge pour Elstadt !!!!#RCTST #TOP14 pic.twitter.com/9mPcQ4jO6x
— Le Top 14 Pas Officiel (@LRejoilm) February 18, 2023
With three minutes left on the clock, Serin found his way over the whitewash to seal the result for Toulon. They now move ahead of Montpellier into seventh place.
The red card for Parisse will likely deny him the opportunity to play one final time for Italy in the Six Nations.
In an exclusive with Planet Rugby, the legendary no.8 admitted that he hadn’t given up on the chance of pulling on the Azzurri jumper one final time despite announcing that he will retire at the end of the season.
“I am always available for my country, now and even to the Rugby World Cup if fit and in form. And yes, a sixth Rugby World Cup would honestly be a dream, but it’s very much an outside hope,” he said.
READ MORE: Expert Witness: Sergio Parisse on his retirement call, Italy’s new DNA and the Six Nations