Owen Farrell has received just a five-match suspension for a dangerous tackle in this past Saturday’s clash between Saracens and Wasps.
Farrell was shown a red card by referee Christophe Ridley in the 61st minute of the match after completing a horrific tackle on Wasps’ Charlie Atkinson, contrary to World Rugby law 9.13.
WATCH: Farrell sent off for high tackle
Farrell accepted the charge and was given a five-match suspension by the independent panel comprising Mike Hamlin (chair) with Gareth Graham and Leon Lloyd.
Although it was deemed to be a top-level offence with an entry point of 10 matches, this was ultimately halved due to mitigating circumstances.
Independent panel chair Mike Hamlin said: ‘It was accepted by the RFU, the player and the panel that the offending was reckless and not intentional.
‘This was a totally unacceptable contact with the neck/head of Charlie Atkinson as a result of a reckless tackle which had the consequences of him being knocked unconscious and sustaining a concussion. This resulted in the panel concluding that this was a top-end offence with an entry point of 10 matches. There were no aggravating features.’
Farrell will miss Saracens’ Champions Cup quarter-final against Leinster, but the irony is that he will return to action around the same time as Atkinson, who is unable to train at the moment as he recovers from a concussion.
