The clash between old rivals Parramatta and Canterbury promised to be a cracking game - but an ugly hit from Nathan Brown caused a melee early in the second half.
The Eels enforcer flew out of the line and hit Bulldogs fullback Dallin Watene-Zelezniak high and late with a shoulder charge, with a little over half an hour remaining in the contest and the scores locked at 6-all.
It sparked a massive melee after Canterbury skipper Josh Jackson took offence to the hit on his teammate.
Brown was subsequently sent to the sin-bin for the shot and was placed on report - and will no doubt face the wrath of the match review committee in the coming days.
While the sin-bin seemed fair, there were many on social media who believe Brown could have been sent off for the hit.
In 2019, given what we now know about concussion, the Nathan Brown tackle on Watene-Zelezniak should have been a send-off.
— Warren Smith (@WarrenSmithFOX) August 22, 2019
The bunker had ample time to judge the technique and alert the referees. #NRLEelsBulldogs @FOXNRL
If Pangai gets FIVE weeks Nathan Brown will get LIFE
— BUZZ ROTHFIELD (@BuzzRothfield) August 22, 2019
Nathan Brown dumbo.
— The Mole (@9_Moley) August 22, 2019
The Eels are fighting for a top four spot while the Bulldogs were looking to seal their fourth consecutive victory.