‘Red in any era’ – Fans slam France flanker’s ‘mindless thuggery’ that ‘deserves a long ban’
Sekou Macalou's tackle on Ivan van Zyl and Hollie Davidson.
France and Stade Francais flanker Sekou Macalou has been slammed for his “dog shot” on Saracens’ Ivan van Zyl during the Investec Champions Cup on Sunday.
The back-rower was given his marching orders in the 21st minute of the clash with the Top 14 club going on to lose the match 28-17.
Macalou also became the third Stade Francais player to be sent off in the opening two rounds of the tournament with Pierre-Henri Azagoh and Baptiste Pesenti both being dismissed for WWE-esque incidents against Munster in Round One.
Sekou Macalou’s red card
The incident occurred when Stade Francais held a 10-0 advantage with Saracens looking to launch an attack from a messy scrum. Van Zyl collected the ball at the back of the scrum and looked to attack the blindside, however, Macalou tripped the scrum-half before thundering into the South African, making a head-high tackle on the number nine while he was still on the floor.
Wales back Liam Williams, who made his first appearance for Saracens in the fixture since his return to the club, pleaded with the touch judge to review the incident before the TMO came in and deliberated with referee Hollie Davidson who gave Macalou his marching orders.
Stade Francais duo handed hefty bans following ‘WWE brutality’ against Munster
Macalou’s actions have been hugely criticised on social media.
“Stade Français discipline the last two weeks has been disgraceful,” Bernard Jackman remarked on social media platform X, formerly Twitter.
One fan added: “Old school dog shot from Macalou. It’s not a mistimed tackle – it’s a cheap shot and deserves a long ban. Red in any era.”
Trip and then swinging arm on the floor.
Flawless victory. #SFPvSAR pic.twitter.com/LBO62Er17N
— Riaan Louw (@Ringo26) December 15, 2024
Commentator Martin Gillingham was also scathing in his review.
“A match which hinged on two shocking acts of foul play by Sekou Macalou. A trip/swinging arm combination to the head of Ivan van Zyl. Mindless thuggery which probably cost @SFParisRugby the match. In the end, @Saracens deserved winners,” his post read.
Another fan added: “French club teams aren’t beating the dirty player allegations! Clearly they don’t have a no dickheads policy! Macalou is playing 80s style rugby.”
Tries from Williams, Jamie George and Theo Dan would secure the victory for Saracens with Fergus Burke adding 13 points from the tee as Stade Francais fell apart after the sending-off. Leo Barre’s try gave the French side a bit of hope in the latter stages but a yellow card in the 72nd minute to Hugo Ndiaye killed off that hope with Dan going over shortly afterwards.