Le Garrec also suggested that the situation in the match contributed to his reaction. Racing had just had Fijian wing Vinaya Habosi sent off for making contact with the head of a Perpignan player, and trailed by 11 points with 10 minutes remaining.

Racing ultimately lost 28-24. The big-spending Parisian side, who sacked former England coach Stuart Lancaster in February, lie only four points above the relegation play-off spot with five rounds remaining of the regular season.

Le Garrec is not the first player to be accused of play-acting this season.

In March, La Rochelle coach Ronan O'Gara compared Stade Francais flanker Romain Briatte to Brazilian footballer Neymar, after Australian second row Will Skelton was sent off after clearing out a ruck.

While Bath centre Ollie Lawrence admitted that he "probably could have carried on" when he hit the turf following a head clash with Northampton's Alex Mitchell in January - however he denied cheating, saying he was entitled to go to ground.

Rugby's laws, external expressly forbid players to "do anything that may lead the match officials to consider that an opponent has committed an infringement" or, more generally, to act contrary to "the spirit of good sportsmanship".