OWEN FARRELL WILL be available to play in the Champions Cup final after receiving a two-week ban for the dangerous tackle he committed in the semi-final win over Wasps.
The England out-half was this evening handed the suspension by European Professional Club Rugby after being found guilty of breaking Law 10.4 (e) for a tackle on Dan Robson.
Farrell was sin-binned by the referee during the 24-17 win at the Madejski Stadium but the disciplinary committee deemed the offence worthy of a red card.
He avoided a 21-day suspension, which would have ruled him out of next month’s final, due to his previous ‘disciplinary record, good character and excellent conduct at the hearing.’
“A Disciplinary Committee consisting of Simon Thomas (Wales), Chairman, Pat Barriscale (Ireland) and Antony Davies (England) heard evidence and submissions from Farrell, who did not accept that he committed an act of foul play, from Richard Smith QC, from England Defence Coach, Paul Gustard, and from Saracens Director of Rugby, Mark McCall,” a statement read.
“In upholding the citing complaint, the Committee found that Farrell had committed an act of foul play that warranted a red card. It determined that the offence was at the low end of World Rugby’s sanctions and selected two weeks as the appropriate entry point.
“The Committee added one week to the sanction as a deterrent in line with World Rugby’s memoranda regarding dangerous tackles, and then reduced the sanction by one week due to the player’s clean disciplinary record, good character and excellent conduct at the hearing, before imposing a suspension of two weeks.”
The 24-year-old is free to play again on 9 May, but has the option to appeal the decision.
He will miss the Premiership matches against Newcastle Falcons and Worcester Warriors but will be eligible for the Champions Cup final against Racing 92 in Lyon on 14 May.
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