He will miss Saracens’ crunch Champions Cup clash against Leinster
England captain Owen Farrell has been handed a five-game ban following his sending off against Wasps.
Farrell was given his marching orders following a horror tackle on Wasps’ teenage scrum-half Charlie Atkinson, and could have no complaints with the subsequent red.
"It's a really bad one… I can't defend that."
Owen Farrell was shown a red card against Wasps for this tackle on Charlie Atkinson…
Lawrence Dallaglio considers the implications for Saracens AND England. pic.twitter.com/xZuOfEZK9E
— Rugby on TNT Sports (@rugbyontnt) September 5, 2020
Wasps’ Jimmy Gopperth converted the resulting penalty to make the score 18-15, and defeat for Sarries was confirmed when Tom Willis went over for a try in the 70th minute.
Farrell could be heard through the referee’s mic muttering the words “I know that was bad”. Despite his protestations, the general consensus is that it is Farrell’s lowest point as a professional.
He has often been criticised for his tackle technique, particularly his tendency to lead with the chest and shoulders instead of wrapping the arms.
Well, he did wrap this time. It just happened to be around Atkinson’s neck.
Farrell took time to apologise to Atkinson for his tackle before the Wasps scrum-half received treatment on the sidelines.
Owen Farrell apologises to Charlie Atkinson after being sent off. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)Following the game, BT Sport pundit Lawrence Dallaglio said:
“It’s a really bad one. I can’t defend that. We know Owen Farrell plays hard – he plays on the edge – but that is bad.
“He will get a lengthy ban. We know it has been a problem for Owen because of his tackle height. He’s walloped him high. He knows that he has completely mis-timed his tackle. I’m not sure quite what he’s aiming for there.”
Dallaglio predicted a lengthy ban, and the disciplinary has duly handed Farrell one. He has been ruled out for five games, meaning he will miss Saracens’ games against Sale, Exeter and, crucially, Leinster in the Champions Cup.
The Champions Cup is Saracens’ last chance to end the season on a positive note, following their relegation for financial irregularities.
