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'Rude' exchange between Owen Farrell and Luke Pearce caught on ref mic
England flyhalf and Saracens captain Owen Farrell found himself caught in a heated exchange with referee Luke Pearce on Saturday.
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Saracens secured a narrow 39-31 victory over Bristol Bears at the StoneX Stadium, but Farrell had a nightmare day at the kicking tee, missing five conversions and a penalty.
The home side, however, outscored Pat Lam’s Bears 7-4 on the penalty count, but on social media the spotlight shifted to a verbal clash between Farrell and Pearce.
A video posted on X.com showed Farrell snapping back at Pearce after a discussion around a contentious ruck.
The exchange between Farrell and Pearce went as thus:
Owen Farrell: “That’s 3 at the maul.”
Luke Pearce: “Thanks, I can count.”
Owen Farrell: “Don’t be rude to me, there’s no need to be rude to me.”
OW “that’s 3 at the maul”
LP “ thanks, I can count”
OW “don’t be rude to me, there’s no need to be rude to me”#SARvBRI pic.twitter.com/Z1ksII9bgr
— Tony Hill (@AntonyMHill) November 26, 2023
Known for his outspoken nature with officials, Farrell seemed in this instance to have the support of many social media users who picked up on the exchange. Pearce – known for his directness with players – seemed to take Farrell’s feedback onboard, on this occasion, conceding to Farrell’s request not to be rude with him.
After the match Sarries DoR Mark McCall described Farrell’s strangely inaccurate performance as ‘one of those days’: “That was one of those days. I don’t think we’ll see that again. He was at the heart of the turnaround in the second half. It was a pretty ordinary first half and a better second half.”
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Ford is a better 10 - I think Offal is a backup/great kicker - make Earl the capo - lead by example
Farrell always was, still is and will always be a kant.
Pity Pearce wasn’t more direct.
A very good referee who needs the support of admin.
I see nothing wrong in Luke Pearce's comment.
Owen Farrell should not be telling the referee how to do his job, it's disrespectful but when does that stop him? About time RFU cracked down on players telling the ref how to do his job
I admit Owen F being a great player, but I wouldn't keep him as a captain anymore …. his petuliant nature rather upsets than intimidates the refs, which is rarely helpful
Time for a new English flyhalf
Offal is a prize nob who is worth at least a 6 point start to any opposition just for rubbing the ref up the wrong way. Of course the current crop of inept refs don’t help, what a breath of fresh air Sarah Cox was.
Not a fan of OF but no need for a sarcy response from LP. Some refs can get away with it as a bit of banter, can imagine Barnes or Owen’s delivering that line better…afraid LP doesn’t have that style.
‘Knob head’
Farrell being a liitle bitch. He’s even worse than Sexton.