France captain Antoine Dupont has suffered a suspected "serious" knee injury during his side's Six Nations match against Ireland.
The talismanic scrum-half was forced off in the first half of France's dominant 42-27 victory over the holders in Dublin.
Dupont, 28, was helped from the pitch after receiving treatment following an incident at a ruck in the 29th minute.
French head coach Fabien Galthie expressed anger over the injury, revealing there is "suspicion of a fairly serious knee injury" to the Toulouse star.
Antoine Dupont suffered a serious knee injury against Ireland
Reuters
The injury has cast a shadow over France's impressive win at the Aviva Stadium.
The incident occurred in the 28th minute when Dupont was attempting to steal the ball at a ruck.
Irish lock Tadhg Beirne fell onto the scrum-half's right leg as prop Andrew Porter joined the ruck.
Both Dupont and Gregory Alldritt, who took over as French captain, were heard questioning referee Angus Gardner over a possible review of the incident.
The injury was not referred to the TMO during the match, further fuelling French frustration.
Dupont received treatment on the pitch before being helped off, visibly in pain.
Galthié has taken the extraordinary step of citing three Ireland players to appear before the disciplinary committee.
"We named the players [who made contact with Dupont], Tadhg Beirne and Andrew Porter, who should appear before the disciplinary commission," Galthié stated firmly.
The French coach also cited wing Calvin Nash for a second-half tackle that led to a concussion for France centre Pierre-Louis Barassi.
"We want explanations," Galthié added. "We have to protect our players. There are means, there are rules. There is some kind of anger."
The incident has clearly sparked outrage in the French camp, with Galthié refusing to "pass judgement" on referee Gardner's performance.
Ireland's perspective on the incident stands in stark contrast to the French view.
Antoine Dupont is facing a significant spell on the sidelines
Reuters
Interim coach Simon Easterby described it as "just a rugby incident" that unfortunately happens in the game.
"Tadhg [Beirne] cleans out someone in front of Antoine Dupont and he gets hit on the back of it. It happens, unfortunately," Easterby explained.
He defended his players, stating they were not directly targeting Dupont.
"He was securing his own ball and not making contact on Dupont. Unfortunately that happens," the Irish coach added.
Easterby emphasised that players now have "real awareness" about clearing out on lower limbs, which can create such injuries.
Dupont is now unlikely to play any further part in this season's Six Nations campaign.
Fabien Galthie was furious with three Irish players after the incident
Reuters
France are set to host Scotland in Paris next weekend in the concluding game of the championship.
The injury to the poster boy of French rugby has reportedly galvanised his teammates.
France No.8 Gregory Alldritt described the injury as "gut-wrenching" but said it provided "a little bit of fuel for the second half."
The impressive victory over Ireland has positioned France as favourites to claim the Six Nations title.
Ireland, meanwhile, will look to bounce back against Italy in Rome in their final fixture.
