Crusaders captain Sam Whitelock has been cited for an act of retaliation during their Super Rugby win over the Cheetahs.

All Blacks lock Whitelock was shown a yellow card after striking Cheetahs prop Charles Marais late in the 48-21 win in Bloemfontein.

Marais made contact with Whitelock when the Crusaders forward was in the air fielding a re-start in the 72nd minute.

The veteran lock responded by lashing out with an elbow to Marais’s face.

A SANZAAR citing commissioner deemed the act worthy of a red card, which has put the incident in front of a foul play review committee.

The committee will meet later on Saturday to determine if Whitelock has a case to answer.