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Publication date: September 8, 2020
Owen Farrell has shown remorse for the trespassing that he will almost certainly see him suspended for the Saracens’ biggest game of the season, according to their rugby manager Mark McCall.
Farrell faces a disciplinary hearing online later today when he will find out the length of his suspension for receiving the first red card of his career at the time mark of Saturday’s loss to Wasps.
The England captain was sent off for a reckless high tackle on 18-year-old replacement high midfielder Charlie Atkinson, whose afternoon ended the challenge.
Farrell immediately showed his remorse and apologized to Atkinson, but he could be facing a prolonged ban as the game continues to crack down on dangerous tackles, especially to the head.
The Saracens travel to Dublin to face Leinster on Saturday of the week, as the club aims for a successful defense of their European crown to make up for their relegation from the Premiership due to repeated wage cap violations.
“Obviously Owen was wrong at the tackle, there’s no question about that. He has been to the club and I have spoken with him, ”said rugby director McCall. “You could see from his reaction as soon as it happened that he knew he was wrong and is incredibly sorry.
“He stood on the touchline and waited for Charlie to get up and come out and he was really worried about him. You could see in his face how he felt. “
“It’s really bad… I can’t defend that.”
Owen Farrell received a red card against Wasps for this entry to Charlie Atkinson …
Lawrence Dallaglio considers the implications for the Saracens and England. pic.twitter.com/xZuOfEZK9E
– Rugby at BT Sport (@btsportrugby) September 5, 2020
McCall declined to reveal Saracens’ strategy for the disciplinary hearing, but is resigned to losing Farrell to the Aviva Stadium showdown with two games to play before departing for Ireland.
The penalty range for his clear tackle law violation is two games for the low end, six for the midrange and 10 for the high end.
Midrange appears to be the most likely punishment, and given Farrell’s remorse and good disciplinary record, he was suspended for the same offense four years ago in his only previous suspension, any punishment could be reduced.
“We should let the procedures run their course, but we can safely assume that Owen will not be available to Leinster and we will plan accordingly,” McCall said.
Farrell’s absence would be partially offset by Duncan Taylor’s return from a shoulder injury with the Scottish center available for Wednesday’s clash with Sale.
However, Mako Vunipola’s fitness is problematic, as his back spasm threatens his involvement against Leinster.
“Mako is not ready yet. It lasts longer than we expected, ”McCall added.
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