Ronan O'Gara was sent to the stands yesterday as his La Rochelle side lost out to Pau in a high-scoring Top 14 match at the Stade du Hameau.
O'Gara twice remonstrated with officials before being ordered off the sideline by referee Jeremy Rozier.
The first disagreement took place after La Rochelle's Antoine Hastoy created some unwanted history by picking up the fastest red card in the history of the competition.
After gathering a garryowen, he caught Aaron Grandidier-Nkanang with a boot to the face as he came back down, drawing blood.
O'Gara wasn't impressed with the decision, coming onto the field of play and having a conversation with Rozier, with the referee making it clear that he had no other option but to show the red card.
But the former Ireland out-half didn't heed the warning and again displayed his anger at a decision going against his side just before the hour mark.
La Rochelle attacked and were close to the Pau line, only for the hosts to turn over the ball, despite the protests of the visiting players.
O'Gara's protests were brought to the attention of Rozier by his sideline officials.
"A start like that is difficult to digest, to understand," said O'Gara afterwards.
"But with a little hindsight, I understand the logic behind the 'kung fu fighting’ - the studs in the opponent’s head.
"It’s hard to believe that there was any intention to hurt the opponent. The referee saw blood, and blood is what decides everything. Are there mitigating circumstances? Yes, I think so."
Of his own red card, he added: "It’s the job of the fourth and fifth officials to pass the message on to the referee. I contested a decision. I have to accept that."
La Rochelle lots our 55-35 at home to Pau and sit 10th in the Top 14 standings after 11 games. In the same Champions Cup pool as Leinster, once more, they host Leicester on Saturday.
