Antoine Dupont hits out over lack of player ‘protection’ after ex-Wallabies star’s ‘horrible cheap shot’ on French youngster

Antoine Dupont for Toulouse and Tolu Latu's dangerous clearout on French youngster Simon Daroque.
France superstar Antoine Dupont has appeared to criticise the officiating after Toulouse’s defeat to La Rochelle in the Top 14.
A young Les Rouge et Noir team went down 22-19 to Ronan O’Gara’s men, but it was marred by a couple of incidents.
There was a tackle from Reda Wardi on the visitors’ Valentin Delpy early in the match which was controversially deemed legal. However, it was not the most hotly debated moment with Tolu Latu’s nasty clearout on Simon Daroque being heavily scrutinised.
Latu, who has been a serial offender over the years, came in from the side – an illegal act in itself – and cleaned out the Toulouse teenager.
Most of the weight went on the upper part of the body, leading to a likely dislocated shoulder, but there was also an impact on the lower limb – something the authorities are trying to stamp out.
Latu yellow carded
The La Rochelle hooker was only yellow carded, though, a decision which caused outrage afterwards.
Dupont took to Instagram following the clash and firstly praised the young Toulouse players, writing: “Proud of the talent and courage of the youngsters”, before referring to the controversy around the match in a slightly cryptic message, adding: “On the other hand, the protection of the physical integrity of the players…”.
Former France international Richard Dourthe sided with Dupont and slammed the decision of the officials.
“I find it shameful. Mr. [Luc] Ramos was the referee at the time of a dangerous tackle by [Manu] Tuilagi on Alldritt [in October] and there was nothing,” Dourthe said on the Canal Rugby Show.
“Grégory Alldritt had told him ‘don’t talk about player safety anymore’. Well, that’s a typical example.
“He’s also a 19-year-old who isn’t muscularly formed yet. Latu takes out his shoulder right on his knee. The kid comes out with a broken shoulder.
“Honestly, there are three or four referees… For me, it’s a red card!”
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Dourthe was joined on the panel by fellow former France player Marjorie Mayans, who also felt that Latu was lucky to escape a red card.
“Without even mentioning the youth or the opponent, this gesture has no place on a rugby field. Latu is completely on the side, on the shoulder, he does use his arms, for me it is ultra dangerous,” Mayans said.
Le carton jaune de la honte? #SRST pic.twitter.com/UIq6k3zSbb
— Matt Dhz (@matteo_dehez) January 4, 2025
Social media reaction
The incident was posted on X, formerly Twitter, and caused a stir, with fans pretty much unanimous in their thoughts on the matter.
“Tolu Latu, again,” Tight Five Rugby wrote.
“Hate to keep mentioning it but he is an actual danger. One of the worst card records of all time, seems to never learn.
“This one is terrible.”
In response to that post, one person stated: “Outrageous clear out. Red card all day. Cannot fathom how the ref only gave a yellow”, while another added: “Horrible cheapshot that and no need at all.”