Hughes was sent off for kneeing the Northampton and British and Irish Lion in the head as he scored Saints' and his second try.

The Wasps number eight complained it was unintentional, but after watching replays on the big screen, referee Craig Maxwell-Keys decided to issue a red card five minutes before half-time.

After suffering concussion in Wales's opening Six Nations match against England, when he was knocked out twice, there were worrying scenes as North lay motionless on the ground.

He started moving shortly afterwards as medics attended to him before he was stretchered from the pitch.

Northampton came from behind to win a tumultuous clash 52-30 at Franklin's Gardens and move 14 points clear at the top of the Premiership.

The red card decision has divided people on Twitter with many sympathising with North but also arguing the collision was accidental and didn't warrant a sending off.

Others suggested Hughes could easily have avoided the coillision.

Ref has done brilliantly here. Not malicious but still a red. Get well soon @George_North http://t.co/qY5xhxzj0N pic.twitter.com/LzO4SEcepC"

— TheWaisaleTimes (@TheWaisaleTimes) March 27, 2015

How can anyone say Nathan Hughes doesn't deserve a red card? He dipped his knee into George norths head. Should be a length ban. Disgraceful

— Hugh Kelleher (@HughKelleher1) March 27, 2015

Definitely not a red card for Nathan Hughes Maybe a yellow!

— Ollie Rowley (@ollier0wley) March 27, 2015

For the record, it was never a red card for Nathan Hughes last night. Looked accidental. Poor decision from the referee in my opinion.

— Kristian Ross (@Kristian7Ross) March 28, 2015

@DickieCloggs @CardiffBluesSC It would be interesting to ask Nick Williams opinion of Nathan Hughes' red card for the hit on @George_North

— Barry Wyn 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 (@barrywyn) March 28, 2015

Regardless of Nathan Hughes' red card perhaps more pressing issue is how George North was deemed fit to play rugby after all his concussions

— Ed Overend (@edwardoverend) March 28, 2015