England captain Owen Farrell has been handed a five-game ban after his straight red card for a high tackle against Wasps over the weekend.
The 28-year-old fly-half was sent off on 61 minutes by referee Christophe Ridley for his challenge on Wasps replacement full-back Charlie Atkinson.
The England international accepted the charge and was given a five-game suspension by the independent panel comprising Mike Hamlin (chair) with Gareth Graham and Leon Lloyd, following an online hearing on Tuesday night.
The verdict has caused a fiery backlash on social media. Here’s how people have reacted:
The angry folk:
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RANKED | The 5 Dirtiest Rugby Players in History
There is a fine line between being an aggressive, hard nosed player and a dirty one. With some players it is difficult to distinguish whether or not they are simply playing with grit and determination
Here are, in RUCK’s opinion, the 5 dirtiest players in rugby history.
5. Danny Grewcock
A second row with something of a short fuse. Picked up a five-week ban after being sent off for kicking All Blacks hooker Anton Oliver in a Test in Dunedin in 1998, two weeks for punching Lawrence Dallaglio in a club match in 2003, two months for biting All Black hooker Keven Mealamu during the first Lions Test in 2005, six weeks for punching French lock Thibault Privat in 2007 and seven weeks for stamping on Ulster flanker Stephen Ferris in 2010. Knew his way to the disciplinary offices!