“The key factor about mitigation right here is that Farrell’s actions had been at all times unlawful. No matter what occurred, he was at all times main with the shoulder and never attempting to wrap for a authorized sort out – so mitigation doesn’t and mustn’t play a component in the choice.
“So, there isn’t a mitigation for me, and there may be actually not sufficient to mitigate down from a red card, as it’s foul play, there’s a excessive diploma of hazard and there may be an act of illegalness which is main with the shoulder.
“That meets every thing that the referee could be searching for to award a red card, and the overall rugby public would all expect to see a red given for that.”
Owens added he would have given a straight red on the sphere fairly than referring the incident to the bunker, stressing that he hoped referees wouldn’t at all times go on incidents to the bunker fairly than giving red playing cards on the sphere.
He concluded: “Quite simply, if we don’t deal with actions like this as a red card offence, then the game is going to be in big trouble moving forward.”
Courtney Lawes addressed the criticism surrounding Farrell this week, and stated his contributions in the direction of the England facet would finally be recognised.
Lawes will captain the facet as an alternative of Farrell in Dublin, as England search to finish Ireland’s run of 15 consecutive wins at house.
“If it wasn’t [Farrell] in this situation then there probably wouldn’t have been as much uproar,” Lawes stated. “I don’t know precisely the place that comes from. He’s top-of-the-line gamers of our technology by an extended shot.
“He’s possibly the very best 10 ever for England and he proves it time and time once more, nevertheless many caps he’s on and can proceed to get. He’s simply going to proceed to push on along with his legacy. When all of the mud settles I feel everybody will see that he’s deserving of each cap he’s received. There’s lots of people on the market that simply wish to convey you down.”
Ronan O’Gara, head coach of European champions La Rochelle, additionally addressed the fallout from the choice to clear Farrell whereas chatting with Off The Ball, highlighting the psychological results of the previous few days on Farrell.
