Watch Ireland star Aki’s red card for shoulder to the head that left England’s Billy Vunipola motionless in Six Nations
IRELAND rugby star Bundee Aki saw red for a controversial high tackle on England No8 Billy Vunipola that left the Saracens ace motionless.
The crunching collision in the 64th minute sent Vunipola shuddering backwards and he never returned to the field after being ushered off for an HIA during England's thumping defeat in Dublin.
Referee Mathieu Reynard brandished the THIRD red card of the 2021 Six Nations after reviewing the incident with the TMO.
The French official gave returning physical centre Aki, 30, his marching orders after identifying direct contact from his shoulder with the head of Vunipola.
It was Ireland's second of the campaign after back row Peter O'Mahony's in the opening round against Wales for a similar offence.
Scotland prop Zander Fagerson was dismissed for an illegal clear-out against the same opponents in round two.
Ireland were comfortably leading 26-6 at the time of the incident, thanks to tries from Keith Earls and Jack Conan.
But Aki's misdemeanour opened the door for a wounded Red Rose side.
Ben Youngs scampered over after being fed by sub Jamie George off the back of a good rolling maul.
Irish scrum-half Conor Murray joined Aki on the naughty step after receiving a yellow card for straying offside right next to his own line as England attacked.
CASINO SIGN UP OFFER: CLAIM UP TO £800 IN CASINO BONUS CASH
Most read in Rugby Union
And Jonny May added a late consolation score out wide but it was not enough to overturn a dominant Irish side on St Patrick's weekend.
Aki was only back in Andy Farrell's starting line-up as a result of Gary Ringrose's injury.
But the New Zealand-born ace picked up his second red card in just 31 caps.
His centre partner Robbie Henshaw was named man of the match as skipper Johnny Sexton's record-breaking 22 points with the boot floored Eddie Jones' side.
It is the first time England have lost to Ireland, Wales and Scotland in the same tournament since 1976.