James Haskell didn't win himself many friends tonight for what was a sickeningly high-tackle on former Welsh centre, Jamie Roberts.
The England and Wasps flanker hit the Harlequins man with the game very much in the balance, and Roberts' side looking for a necessary win to extend their Champions Cup hopes.
Shown a straight red for his atrocious effort, there was naturally a lot of concern extended for Roberts as he lay prostrated on the pitch after the collision.
Thankfully, it would appear that the highly-popular Roberts is fine; and more to boot, hasn't lost his sense of humour.
Thanks for the messages guys. Head's ok. Enjoyed that win with this resilient group of @Harlequins lads.
Hope your shoulder is ok after colliding with this jaw @jameshaskell - Good man for apologizing 👍🏼....just bend those arthritic knees next time pal ;)— Jamie Roberts (@Jamiehuwroberts) January 13, 2018
This came after Haskell himself had issued an apology via his Twitter account.
Whats done is done, but just want to publicly apologise to @Jamiehuwroberts. Never my intention to hurt another player. Got my height wrong, paid the price, which happens. You know me, never one to do anything subtly. Credit to @Harlequins and apologies to @WaspsRugby fans
— James Haskell (@jameshaskell) January 13, 2018
Needless to say, in a frantic game of rugby, this incident grabbed much attention. It was a tackle that many rugby people couldn't but have their say on.
Clear Red! https://t.co/kWGXV3u0JD
— Brian O'Driscoll (@BrianODriscoll) January 13, 2018
Straight red for James Haskell for shoulder to head of Jamie Roberts. Can have no complaints.
— Alex Spink (@alexspinkmirror) January 13, 2018
Regarding the response of Haskell initially, a large swell of support came for his immediate attempt to right any wrong that he had done to a fellow player.
Top man Hask. This is why we love rugby. Proper, respectful sports people playing a hard game and putting their hands up when they make a mistake.
— Mark Hill🌈 (@Chillkram) January 13, 2018
As a Quins season ticket holder thank you Hask, for total honesty and why a lot of sports could learn so much from our great game. Good luck for the rest of the season.
— john sweeney (@johnsweeney6) January 13, 2018
For Dr. Roberts however, there was an outpouring of well-wishes for the manner in which he had dealt with an unbelievable hard hit.
Fair play Jamie. Sportsmanship at its finest. What happens on the pitch stays on the pitch.
— Henry Sheehan (@Sheehan_Henry) January 13, 2018
A bit of humour and a grown up apology. That’s why @gerrypimm loves rugby! 6 Nations soon!
— Will Spratt (@willspratt) January 13, 2018
Good to see you’ve bounced back.
— Nye Jayne (@nyejayne) January 13, 2018
You has us really worried for a few minutes. Glad you are OK. Take care until you are ready to come back - you have been storming this season #COYQ
— Duchess Honey Pony💙🖤 ❤🇪🇺 ❤️🏉 (@honeypony222) January 13, 2018
Glad to hear your ok. Full respect to you for coming out after the game for pictures etc. That looked a hefty blow you took! Great win, the boys were awesome, especially 2nd half! 👍
— Toby Oliver (@tobyoliver791) January 13, 2018
Although both players seemed to have reached consensus, it will now be interesting to see what happens Haskell and the red card that he has nonetheless acquired.
