Brian O’Driscoll has slammed Wayne Barnes decision not to send off France prop Unai Atonio in the Six Nations today.
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O’Driscoll said: “If Wayne Barnes did France a disservice on the try, he did them a big service here. He said there was enough force through the shoulder.
“At no point is there any hint from Atonio, his arm is tucked and it never looked like a wrap.
“[Barnes] said that there is some force through the chest, well Rob Herring has now gone and failed a HIA. I think there is considerable force through his head.
“They are incredibly lucky that that isn’t a red.”
He wasn’t the only person baffled by the English whistleblowers decision.
Andy Goode wrote: “Sorry Wayno that’s a red all day long, not a high degree of danger?! Are you joking there’s no wrap and it’s shoulder to head!”
A fan commented: “What is Wayne Barnes watching? That is an absolute disgrace!”
Another said: “Wayne Barnes that is absolutely disgraceful.”
A third wrote: “Why does Wayne Barnes hate Ireland so much,”
“One of the WORST decisions I have ever seen from Wayne Barnes. There is no logic behind giving him a yellow. All this player protection and that’s a yellow. Wow just wow.” commented a fourth.
Another commented: “The fact Wayne Barnes even allowed play to continue and disregard the tackle as soon as he saw it happen was a disgrace. So dangerous.”
A sixth said: “Makes sense why Wayne Barnes has been speaking French during the breakdowns. Might as well put on a French jersey>”
“He’s a little rascal” – Johnny Sexton has been labelled the ‘biggest cheat’ in rugby today
Fans have compiled lists ranking the players they believe employ the most unsportsmanlike tactics in the game today.
Some players have been selected due to their negative reputation, while others have been singled out for their known use of questionable methods during matches.
Rugby’s ‘biggest cheats’
#6. Owen Farrell (England)
Could it be anybody else to start? Farrell fits the label “our guy” better than most, meaning you love to hate him unless he’s in your squad. Then you’d go to the end’s of the earth to defend him.
The England captain, also known as ‘Shoulder boy’ for his high tackling, does himself no favours with his poor tackling technique.
Although he’s currently serving a two-match ban, the fact he often seems to get away with it doesn’t help either.
Owen Farrell facts:
The Saracens star went to school with England teammate George Ford
His education began in rugby league – he joined Wigan St Patricks at the age of eight
He became the youngest ever player to appear in English professional rugby, making his debut aged 17 and 11 days. This record was later beaten by schoolmate Ford
It’s well known that Owen is the son of Ireland head coach Andy Farrell. However, it’s less commonly know that his uncle Sean O’Loughlin is also a rugby league legend, winning 34 caps for Great Britain between 1993 and 2009
He was not at first registered as a Farrell, but took mum Colleen’s family name of O’Loughlin. The couple married in 1995, changing Owen’s surname to Farrell the following year.
#4. Peter O’Mahony (Ireland)
A flanker that plays on the edge and never fails to get under the skin of opposition fans. His late hit on Stuart Hogg and foul-mouthed war of words with the Kyle Sinckler during the 2019 Six Nations did him no favours. The sort of player you love to have, but also love to hate.
