Jaco Peyper poses for picture with Wales fans appearing to mock France player Sebastien Vahaamahina

Referee Jaco Peyper has sparked controversy after posing for a picture with Welsh fans after refereeing last night's World Cup quarter-final between Wales and France.

With France leading 19-10 in Oita, Peyper showed a red card to French lock Sebastien Vahaamahina for an elbow to the head of a Welsh player.

The incident ended up costing France as Wales produced a comeback to book a place in the semifinal with a 20-19 victory.

But just hours after the game, Peyper has landed in hot water after a picture emerged on social media of the referee appearing to mock Vahaamahina's elbow shot by posing alongside jubilant Welsh fans.

The 39-year-old official is seen smiling for the camera with his elbow raised, mimicking the game-changing red card.

Fans weren't happy with the photo, with some even calling for Peyper to be canned for the rest of the World Cup.

"As much as Vahaamahina deserves his red card, Jaco Peyper deserves to finish officiating in the World Cup after that. He can celebrate his match but this joke is unworthy of a referee," one fan wrote on social media.

"Shameful. Like his performance," another fan tweeted.

Another said: "If this photo is not a fake, it is particularly disturbing".

The 48th minute red card, which was the biggest talking point of the match on Sunday, was less controversial, with replays showing the French forward clearly elbowing Aaron Wainwright in the face during a maul.

The incident was reviewed by the TMO and Vahaamahina was dismissed after a quick deliberation among the match officials.

The second-rower has since apologised to his teammates in a tearful changing-room address.

Wales will face South Africa in the semifinal after the Springboks ended Japan's fairytale run in the tournament in Sunday's second match.

This article was first published on nzherald.co.nz and is republished here with permission