London Irish director of rugby Brian Smith has defended Dan Leo after seeing his captain dismissed against London Welsh earlier today.

The 32-year-old retaliated after being caught in the face by Tom May's elbow, which led to both men being shown a red card by referee Greg Garner at the Madejski Stadium.

Speaking after the match, Smith is quoted by The Telegraph as saying: "What I would say is that the use of cards should be proportional and I question whether that was the case today.

"Most certainly with Dan Leo, who is a quality person and he's not a thug. He's very, very upset and justifiably so. He's got our full support and I'm sure we will hear more about it in the week.

"I'm not sure it was proportional. Tom May is not a thug and certainly our boy Dan Leo is a true person and is not that calibre of person."

London Welsh went on to lose the game 24-9 - their 11th successive defeat in the Aviva Premiership this season.