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'Absolutely disgusting' - Andy Farrell breaks silence on son Owen
By PA
Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has branded the “circus” around son Owen Farrell’s disciplinary process “absolutely disgusting”.
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The England captain’s participation in the World Cup is in fresh doubt after World Rugby appealed against the decision to overturn his red card from Saturday’s clash with Wales.
An independent disciplinary panel caused an outcry on Tuesday when it cleared 31-year-old Farrell to play following his shoulder-led tackle to the head of Taine Basham, which was expected to result in a significant ban.
England head coach Steve Borthwick has subsequently opted to leave the Saracens fly-half out of his squad for Saturday’s World Cup warm-up clash against Ireland in Dublin.
Farrell senior, who concedes his view on the situation is not impartial, expressed anger at some of the intense criticism his son has faced.
“Whatever I say is probably flawed anyway,” said the 48-year-old. “When you’re talking about somebody’s son and asking the question, it’s always going to be flawed, so what does that really matter?
“I don’t normally say too much because of that type of reason about my son.
“But what I probably would say at this moment in time is that the circus that’s gone on in and around all of this is absolutely disgusting, in my opinion, disgusting.
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“I suppose those people that have loved their time in the sun get a few more days to keep going at that.”
Stage 2: The Judicial Officer/Disciplinary Committee will increase the sanction above the entry point if any of the following aggravating factors are present (note: these relate to factors other than the act of foul play itself (see Regulation 17.19.1)):
the player’s status generally as an offender of the Laws of the Game (looking at his/her disciplinary record in rugby and other sports (e.g., rugby league) since the age of 18 years);
need for a deterrent to combat a pattern of offending in the Game (e.g., there have been a series of sanctions for “tip tackles” recently and it is necessary to get the message through to change tackling techniques to protect player welfare); and
any other off-field aggravating factor(s) that the Judicial Officer/Disciplinary Committee considers relevant and appropriate.
If there are aggravating factors the sanction increases above the entry point. By way of example (only), for a mid-range “tip tackle” (entry point: 10 weeks) there could be an increase of, say, two weeks if the player has a poor disciplinary record, increasing the sanction to 12 weeks.
When i was 13, i crashed my shoulder to the head of an other player. It was dirty. The ref didn't see. My dad was coach of our team. He took my off the game and said "This is rugby, a fair sport. Fairness is an important reason, why we are pround to play rugby. You are not Hulk Hogan".
He gave me a 4 week ban. I learnd my lesson and I am very proud about me dad.
Different values are lived in different families. Gradually it should become clear, why two no.10 players considers themselves, they are the center of the world.
If Owen Farell would be a sportsman, he would have the size to resign. But we have known O.F. for a long time and know about him. Anyone who defends O.F. says a lot about himself. Silence would be wiser for them guys if they would have certain resources.
Really disgusting.
You got that young number 10 playing for England now. Faster player, get the back line going better, and he players of the cuff so they will not miss the cart horse
To be honest how many chances do you give him.
He his a captain of a international side and youngest look up to him and when they see that nonsense on the field it is not good.
So ban him from international rugby full stop.
Disappointing reaction by Andy. What is disgusting is the stench of injustice and inequity when it comes to imposing penalties for bad behavior. What is not disgusting is that people are disgusted by the stench.
Player safety will improve when players take more care about the safety of other players. And the only way to improve that is to impose high penalties on those that are insufficiently careful.
Had Owen Farrell been properly penalized for past misdemeanors, we would not have seen Taine Basham injured and excluded from the game.
Instead of a professional administration we have boozy dinners and favors for friends. It is all trust-busting and deeply corrosive.
Beaumont could fix it, but he seems to be weak. Andy Farrell too. We know it's your son, but he is hurting people.
totally agree, Circus of 6N making with Auzzie clowns staring roles. Don't forget TB has parents as well who had to watch his neck snap back like a rag doll. Happen to my daughter and I can tell you F Snr is way out of line here, didn't even mention the tackle
Maybe it is a deflection from the disgusting decision to allow Sexton to circumvent his own ban by playing ‘unofficial’ matches?
Circus??? An appalling decision is made in favour of a regular offender and people are pissed. Get a grip Andy!!!
I think it's disgusting that Michael Leitch was banned for 3 weeks for something similar but less severe despite it being his first red card. Was Owen let off for being a serial offender or was Michael punished for not playing for England?
As far as the "new high tackle Rules" go, that was pretty much "up there" with slightly dangerous, which calls for a card.... imagine if Owen was "tackled" like that during the WC....."?
I don't particularly like Farrell junior, but the real villains in this story are the three people who sat on the disciplinary panel and arrived at a decision that would confuse a blind monkey.
They are either corrupt or inept and should immediately be banned from all involvement in rugby.
Exactly not his fault. It's a circus, crazy claims of racism and unfortunately even an Allblack running his mouth on it. Owens a good player with faulty technique, it was an absolute red card and he deserves suspension for a few games. He isn't a dirty player, yes he's got a technique issue and yes world rugby needs to be consistent. The tackle by George Moala was equally unintentional but being a tip tackle deserved a lengthy suspension. However neither player should miss RWC in it's entirety.
It is aso very telling that every time is panel mentioned in the media space, it gets referred to as "independent" - based on what has happened, it is anything but.
He and everyone else would have a different view if he was the one getting hit high and being knocked out rather than the guy with flawed tackle technique smashing guys in the head.
What if his own son was hit with a shoulder to the head ?
Would he say 'oh good shot'.
What if it lead to dementia in his son later in life ?
What a hero.
What is disgusting is the many-times repeated filthy play by Farrell. There's no circus - just a huge number of rugby fans calling for justice and consistency.
The problem is that it's turning into a social media led witch hunt. An independent panel heard the case and rendered their verdict. Farrell is becoming a victim because some people don't like him and are happy to pervert the system in pursuit of their prey. That is disgusting.
There is a massive circus