England captain Owen Farrell may still miss the start of the World Cup as World Rugby confirm they will appeal his overturned red card…
- World Rugby is appealing the ruling to overturn Owen Farrell’s red card
- The England 10 were shown a red card for a high tackle on Wales’ Taine Basham
- A disciplinary panel decided to reverse the red card, in a controversial move
The controversy surrounding Owen Farrell’s red card will continue after World Rugby confirmed they will look into the decision not to suspend the England captain.
Farrell was sent off during England’s World Cup warm-up with Wales at Twickenham for a high tackle on Taine Basham.
He was initially shown a yellow card before rugby’s new bunker rating system upgraded it to red.
It was widely expected that Farrell, who served three previous suspensions for dangerous tackling, would serve a significant suspension for the incident.
But on Monday, the rugby world was in shock when a Six Nations disciplinary panel ruled that it was wrong that Farrell’s initial yellow had been changed to red.
World Rugby appeals ruling to overturn Owen Farrell’s red card after England received fly-half during England’s 19-17 win against Wales on Saturday
Farrell was booked for this tackle on Wales flanker Taine Basham, but the tackle was eventually upgraded to a red card by the foul play officer
The England fly-half was expected to miss parts of the Rugby World Cup due to the dangerous tackle, but the rugby world was shocked after an independent panel decided to overturn the ban.
It meant that the fly-half was allowed to play again with immediate effect. However, it has now been revealed that Farrell can still be banished.
World Rugby confirmed on Thursday that they will appeal the decision not to suspend him.
In a statement, World Rugby said: “World Rugby has today confirmed to the Rugby Football Union and Six Nations Rugby that it will exercise its right to appeal against Owen Farrell’s disciplinary decision following a careful review of the full written statement of the independent Judicial Committee. decision received on August 16.
“World Rugby fully supports the important role an independent disciplinary process plays in upholding the integrity and values of the sport, particularly with regard to head contact foul play.
“Player well-being is the sport’s number one priority and the main contact process is central to that mission at the highest level of sport.
The disciplinary panel withdrew the red card, citing there were mitigating factors in the game and rugby’s attitude to playing safety as they have come under heavy fire ever since.
Depending on the outcome of the appeal, Steve Borthwick (pictured) may have to look at other fly-half options from Marcus Smith and George Ford ahead of Saturday’s game against Ireland
“Having considered the full written decision, World Rugby deems an appeal to be well founded.
‘In accordance with the provisions of Regulation 17, an independent appeals committee will be appointed to review the matter as soon as possible.
“Further details of the hearing, including arrangements and date, will be confirmed by Six Nations Rugby.”