Owen Farrell has received a surprise supporter in the form of France and former Wales defence coach Shaun Edwards, who jumped to the defence of the England captain.
The rugby world was stunned on Tuesday when an independent disciplinary panel overturned Farrell’s red card for a dangerous tackle in a World Cup warm-up against Wales.
MORE: Farrell cleared of red card
As it stands, Farrell is free to play for England at the World Cup, although World Rugby and the Six Nations are able to appeal the decision.
The majority of rugby stakeholders were left incensed by the verdict, with many current and former players taking to social media to make their feelings known.
However, Farrell was backed by former rugby league star and current France defence coach Edwards, who wrote in a column for the Daily Mail that he felt the red card was wrong.
“We’re living in a world of slow-motion replays,” said Edwards, who served as Warren Gatland’s right-hand man between 2008 and 2019. “These frame-by-frame pictures are so different to what players see on the pitch.
“Things happen in a split second. If the ball-carrier changes direction late – as we saw with Taine Basham – it’s almost impossible for the tackler to react.
“People have got to start realising that. The post-match disciplinary system has worked and now I wish good luck to Owen moving forwards.”
Edwards, who also worked with the British & Irish Lions during the 2009 tour of South Africa, bemoaned the current state of officiating, questioning how players are supposed to legally tackle while defending their tryline.
“The chop tackle is great when you’re coming from the side of someone but if someone’s running directly at you and you hit your head on their knee then there’s a big chance you’ll get knocked out.
“For the World Cup, I’ve asked where the tackle target is if someone had a pick-and-go close to the try-line. The carrier’s head is the height of their hips so where are you supposed to hit? I’ve got no idea and I’ve still not had an answer.”
Photo: GAIZKA IROZ / AFP