The game between Ebbw Vale and Llandovery, which was being shown live on S4C, was marred by the incident just before half-time

Calls are growing for a lifetime ban to be dished out following a horror incident in the match between Llandovery and Ebbw Vale on Thursday night.

In the first half of the Super Rygbi Cymru at Church Bank , Ebbw Vale's Curtis Gregory was given a straight red card for a stamp on opposition player Joe Powell which left viewers appalled by its ferocity.

With a ruck formed, Powell briefly held onto Gregory's leg, which prompted him to stamp down on the former's outstretched limb with significant force.

Luckily for the stricken player, he appeared to escape without visible injury and quickly made his feelings clear to Gregory by shoving him backwards.

The Welsh Rugby Union is currently awaiting the official's report beofre a disciplinary panel will consider the case and sanctions.

Referee Craig Evans stopped play immediately in the 35th minute and, telling Ebbw Vale's captain: "We have a stamp by this player. I did ask the question if anything aggravated it. My AR (assistant referee) didn't see anything. It's a stamp on the leg. Red card. Permanent."

The game was being shown live by S4C and replays of the incident drew groans from the Welsh language commentators.

Footage of the flashpoint quickly circulated online and news has spread around the world, with major news sites in South Africa and Australia generating headlines on it. News.com.au led with the item overnight "Rugby shocked by 'most vindictive' foul play as furious fans call for lifetime ban".

Discourse online has already seen calls grow for the most severe punishment.

"Difficult to know how long to ban Curtis Gregory for here. But it has to be long. Very long," one commentator said. "Unbelievably thick and very dangerous," added another.

"One of the worst I’ve seen watching rugby for nearly 40 years. Should never step on the field again," offered up a third.

"Reminds me of that 1995 stamp on Doddie Weir. All of the books will be thrown. Long ban incoming," said rugby journalist Andy McGeady.

"Yeah that’s a lifetime ban. That’s actually p***** me off, one of the scummiest things I’ve seen on a rugby pitch," volunteered another viewer.

Despite going 15-0 down and being reduced to 13 men at one stage, Ebbw rallied to win the match 31-15 with 31 unanswered points.