Gold Coast Titans prop Kevin Proctor has been sent off for biting Kiwis teammate and Cronulla Sharks player Shaun Johnson.
Playing in his 250th NRL match, Proctor could be seen biting down on Johnson's during a tackle midway through the second half and was subsequently given his marching orders by referee Henry Perenara.
As he left the field, the 24-test international could be heard telling Johnson "You were choking me you f**king sook".
Proctor vigorously protested his innocence, claiming the alleged choke forced his mouth open.
The Sharks proceeded to seal a comfortable 30-18 win over the Titans at Sydney's Jubilee Stadium.
The Fox Sports commentary team were in agreement that the punishment fit the crime.
"The ref's certain that the claim of the bite was legit and the replays would suggest that Kevin Proctor had a big problem," said Dan Ginnane.
"He has reacted to a suggestion that he was being choked, but that’s not going to help him, that vision."
Fellow commentator and former NRL star Braith Anasta was more emphatic with his assessment.
"It's clear as day," Anasta said. "A definite bite from Proctor on Shaun Johnson."
But there has been some support for Proctor's claims on social media, with rugby league journalist Erin Molan expressing her doubts.
"I don’t know if it was a bite?" Molan has tweeted.
"It looks bad but once you look closer it looks almost like Johnson’s arm forces Proctor's mouth open and that whilst Proctor's teeth are on Johnson skin - it doesn't look like he clamps down?"
Proctor is currently in the final year of his contract with the Queensland club, and a lengthy suspension could mean Saturday's game was his last in a Titans jumper.
The incident marks the first time in club history that a Gold Coast Titans player has been sent off.
