Yahoo Finance The ‘circus’ around Owen Farrell has been ‘absolutely disgusting’ – Andy Farrell
Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has slammed the treatment of his son, Owen, following his sending-off against Wales last weekend.
On Tuesday, an independent disciplinary panel caused an outcry when it cleared the England skipper for a shoulder-led tackle to the head of Taine Basham.
Steve Borthwick has subsequently left his captain out of England’s matchday squad to face his father’s side this weekend, after World Rugby opted to appeal the independent disciplinary panel’s decision.
Andy Farrell on Owen Farrell’s situation
After naming his side to face England, Farrell senior was asked about his son’s situation as he now prepares to face a second disciplinary panel.
“Whatever I say is probably flawed anyway,” said the Ireland head coach.
“When you’re talking about somebody’s son and asking the question, it’s always going to be flawed, so what does that really matter?
“I don’t normally say too much because of that type of reason about my son.
“But what I probably would say at this moment in time is that the circus that’s gone on in and around all of this is absolutely disgusting, in my opinion, disgusting.
“I suppose those people that have loved their time in the sun get a few more days to keep going at that.”
Borthwick tweaks his line-up
George Ford will now wear the number ten jersey against Ireland as Courtney Lawes steps up to captain the side.
Borthwick revealed that he intended to pick his skipper for the Dublin showdown but added that he had been forced to revise his plans.
“In my original planning for the Summer Nations Series and as part of our World Cup preparation, Owen Farrell was due to be selected to play in Saturday’s Test,” Borthwick said.
“However, in light of the fact that so much of Owen’s training and match preparation time this week has been significantly affected and interrupted by the disciplinary process, I have not selected him in matchday 23. Owen will travel to Ireland with our full support.
“Owen understands the situation but is of course, disappointed, as I am, that he is missing such a special game that he would otherwise have played in.”
Farrell to face appeal hearing next week
Six Nations Rugby have confirmed that the 31-year-old fly-half will face a new independent appeal committee early next week.
The statement read: “An independent appeal committee will hear the case early next week at a time and date to be confirmed.
“The chair and members of the committee will be confirmed in the coming days.”
The fly-half’s participation in the World Cup is in doubt again he faces a potential suspension of between four and six weeks, which would rule him out of the opening two matches, against Argentina and Japan, at least.
READ MORE: A closer look at all of Owen Farrell’s bans for dangerous tackles
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