England international Billy Vunipola has been given his marching orders for a “reckless” attack on Welsh qualifier Cameron Hanekom during Saracens’ Champions Cup defeat to the Bulls in South Africa.

On a miserable day for the former champions at Loftus Versfeld, the English team suffered a 27-16 defeat, at the cost of indiscipline.

After losing Alex Hood and Maro Itoye to yellow cards in the first half, England number 8 Vunipola was sent off in the second half for a rash tackle on opponents Hanekom in the 51st minute.

As Hanekom, the best player of the match, prepared for the jackal, Vunipola eliminated the young South African with a forehand that touched Hanekom’s head.

Italian referee Andrea Piardi, discussing the incident with his technical director, said: “I see a lot of force, never legal, in contact with the head. In my opinion, this is a reckless action.

“We have frontal contact, right? We’re not playing fair, are we? We have a high level of danger, right? For me it’s a clear red card against number 8.”

Some suggested on social media that the red card was unjustified as the contact with Hanekom’s head was a look, although it was still atrocious. Former England midfielder Andy Good questioned X’s decision, saying: “Never give Billy Vunipole a red card, at best a yellow card!”

Hanekom qualified for Wales through his maternal grandmother. He recently told WalesOnline he was unaware of a possible tug of war between Wales and the Springboks.

“Well, right now I’m completely focused on doing my job here at the Bulls,” he said. “We are participating in one of the most difficult competitions and we have set goals that require my full attention.

“I try to keep the main thing as the main thing now. This is every young person’s dream.

“I heard there were talks (about Wales). I don’t want to get too caught up in “what ifs” or “what ifs” right now.

“Otherwise, I could open my mind to a cycle of infinite possibilities that could take me away from my current job. As I said before, I’d rather let the boss remain the boss for now. And if something happens in the future, I will take it as it comes.”