How long a ban?

[oldbackrow]

Maybe I'm filtering it out, but where has the vitriol towards Farrell been (seen a few vaguely amusing memes)- most of the criticism has been of the panel that I've seen.

I suspect that it depends on where you look.
You're a regular on at least one forum dedicated to rugby, where every contributor is dedicated and reasonably knowledgeable (yes, even those who have the temerity to disagree with me about things).

Hit twitter, or the comments section of a newspaper article, and I dread to think what's being said.

Places like the BBC Have Your Say have been pretty vitriolic about Farrell being an inherently dirty player and he being one of many England players who go out to deliberately injure opponents, that he is a 'despicable person' and only got to the level he is at because of his Dad's involvement at Sarries and England, plus lots of other unhealthy stuff. But it has to be put into the context of a number of posters who intensely dislike him because of the "arrogant and demeaning hand gestures when he kicks"!

[Which Tyler]

But it has to be put into the context of a number of posters who intensely dislike him because of the "arrogant and demeaning hand gestures when he kicks"!

I'm not at all surprised, but it also kinda proves my point. The reality of that hand jesture is anything but arrogant and demeaning. But people often hate what they don't understand, whilst those on dedicated rugby sites - especially English ones, will have greater knowledge and understanding, and typically, greater nuance

[Puja]

I think whether BillyV gets a ban depends on if he's counted as always illegal, which will probably hinge on whether Farrell gets counted as always illegal. I think the Irish carrier does dip into it and there could be mitigation (with a good lawyer). Does he have any previous history with high shots? Is he allowed tackle school?

Puja

[FKAS]

I think whether BillyV gets a ban depends on if he's counted as always illegal, which will probably hinge on whether Farrell gets counted as always illegal. I think the Irish carrier does dip into it and there could be mitigation (with a good lawyer). Does he have any previous history with high shots? Is he allowed tackle school?

Puja

I don't recall him being cited previously. A quick Google suggests he had a citing dismissed back in 2015. It's a tucked arm so I'd imagine the Farrell furore will mean he's going to also get banned. 6 down to 3 at a guess.

[Puja]

I think whether BillyV gets a ban depends on if he's counted as always illegal, which will probably hinge on whether Farrell gets counted as always illegal. I think the Irish carrier does dip into it and there could be mitigation (with a good lawyer). Does he have any previous history with high shots? Is he allowed tackle school?

Puja

I don't recall him being cited previously. A quick Google suggests he had a citing dismissed back in 2015. It's a tucked arm so I'd imagine the Farrell furore will mean he's going to also get banned. 6 down to 3 at a guess.

With one off for tackle school, no doubt. So he'll miss Argentina, but that's likely it.

Puja

[canta_brian]

Why don’t they just get the tackle school “tutors” into the England training camp. Or maybe someone just needs to explain what arms are.

[FKAS]

Why don’t they just get the tackle school “tutors” into the England training camp. Or maybe someone just needs to explain what arms are.

Borthwick did a big thing at Tigers about bringing the tackle height down. He even got repeat offender Jasper Weise tackling legally. I can only imagine he'll be more than a little pissed off that Billy was this stupid with all the Farrell furore going on in the background. I'd really like Stevie B to send out a bit of a message and drop the pair of them it they are banned. Bad discipline won't be tolerated. He's unlikely to sadly.

[Puja]

Why don’t they just get the tackle school “tutors” into the England training camp. Or maybe someone just needs to explain what arms are.

You mean like some form of... defence coach?

It'll never catch on.

Puja

[Banquo]

Why don’t they just get the tackle school “tutors” into the England training camp. Or maybe someone just needs to explain what arms are.

You mean like some form of... defence coach?

It'll never catch on.

Puja

just a bit of paper with a crayon drawing should be enough

[Danno]

Why don’t they just get the tackle school “tutors” into the England training camp. Or maybe someone just needs to explain what arms are.

You mean like some form of... defence coach?

It'll never catch on.

Puja

just a bit of paper with a crayon drawing should be enough

This explains much of the last 4 years

[wanderingjock]

Maybe it's a case of the people involved can't just drop everything and attend a hearing. I think I kinda think the public hanging has been horrible, in terms of vitriol to Farrell as a person.... one thing I will say is about journalists....I think puja pointed out the idea that there can be no reduction if the action is illegal. And the journalists didn't pick that up until well after that was mentioned in here.

I also get that he could have pleaded guilty, but someone advised him a silk employed by the rfu could get him off... and whilst he took that advice..

The not pleading guilty is the thing he did wrong... (as well as committing the stupid shoulder charge)

And the real blame for the mishandling lands on the ijc.... Farrell has been blamed for the outcome, when actually he didn't orchestrate that...

Maybe I'm filtering it out, but where has the vitriol towards Farrell been (seen a few vaguely amusing memes)- most of the criticism has been of the panel that I've seen.

Farrell does bring out extremes. Nigel Owens fears for the game if this remains downgraded from red. Richie M'ounga bemoans the inconsistency relative to the Tongan red. Courtney Lawes suggests Farrell is our all-time best FH.

IMO, Farrell is a very good club FH and a mediocre international one. He is a poor international IC. I don't like the way he behaves on the pitch, especially as captain. All the players and coaches rave about his influence.

I wonder how he will be judged by historians looking back once he has retired.

Prob like Jon Webb... historians won't remember.

[Oakboy]

I wonder what the other players are really thinking. Yes, some have expressed public support for Farrell, not unexpectedly, but surely some were thinking, "What a dick for tackling that high!" Now, what do they think about BV?

Two of the most senior players have seriously curtailed preparations with acts of utter stupidity. Both should be replaced but I won't hold my breath.

[FKAS]

I wonder what the other players are really thinking. Yes, some have expressed public support for Farrell, not unexpectedly, but surely some were thinking, "What a dick for tackling that high!" Now, what do they think about BV?

Two of the most senior players have seriously curtailed preparations with acts of utter stupidity. Both should be replaced but I won't hold my breath.

That's why I'm hoping Borthwick comes down hard on the pair of them. Once was unfortunate but twice in consecutive games is just ridiculous. TWillis and A N Other back (probably Slade) to come back in and move on. We've got experience in the backrow anyway and Slade is versatile and experienced. Ford and Smith cover 10 perfectly well.

[Banquo]

I wonder what the other players are really thinking. Yes, some have expressed public support for Farrell, not unexpectedly, but surely some were thinking, "What a dick for tackling that high!" Now, what do they think about BV?

Two of the most senior players have seriously curtailed preparations with acts of utter stupidity. Both should be replaced but I won't hold my breath.

That's why I'm hoping Borthwick comes down hard on the pair of them. Once was unfortunate but twice in consecutive games is just ridiculous. TWillis and A N Other back (probably Slade) to come back in and move on. We've got experience in the backrow anyway and Slade is versatile and experienced. Ford and Smith cover 10 perfectly well.

Agreed if only to get rid of faz

[francoisfou]

If Billy V gets the ban that he deserves, I wonder if Stevie Blunder will be able to call up a decent No8 to replace him? Wasn’t Tom Willis supposed to be on standby?

[Mush]

I don't know about pre-emting the disciplinary process, but it would send out a strong message if the RFU on behalf of SB imposed a 3 month suspension on both OF and BV. They wouldn't have to say in the press release that it was a result of gross stupidity as everyone - bar about half of the current squad - should be bright enough to read between the lines.

[morepork]

This is such an unnecessarily ugly foundation for a team culture leading into a tournament. Some idiot blazers are neutering Suspended Ballsack doing the right thing.

[Danno]

This is such an unnecessarily ugly foundation for a team culture leading into a tournament. Some idiot blazers are neutering Suspended Ballsack doing the right thing.

I'd agree more if we had a team culture that wasn't a bit like "wahey! Some of these clowns have only seen one world cup" so we just pick 30+ year olds no matter what.

We are just bereft of anything on the field and it is deeply, deeply depressing.

[canta_brian]

This is such an unnecessarily ugly foundation for a team culture leading into a tournament. Some idiot blazers are neutering Suspended Ballsack doing the right thing.

Does spaghetti bolognaise not get to pick the team?

[Banquo]

This is such an unnecessarily ugly foundation for a team culture leading into a tournament. Some idiot blazers are neutering Suspended Ballsack doing the right thing.

Does spaghetti bolognaise not get to pick the team?

well quite, otherwise its simply bollox

[monkey]

This is such an unnecessarily ugly foundation for a team culture leading into a tournament. Some idiot blazers are neutering Suspended Ballsack doing the right thing.

Does spaghetti bolognaise not get to pick the team?

Best one yet

[Which Tyler]

Shouldn't we have found out by now?

[Puja]

Shouldn't we have found out by now?

Really good biscuits.

You'd've thought we'd've heard something by now, but maybe our lawyer is still bringing in surprise witnesses: mathematicians to analyse the angles that changed upon George's contact, 3D imaging specialists to recreate the exact scenario so the board can see the crucial 3mm that Basham's height dropped, telepaths and mediums to confirm exactly what everyone's thoughts were at the time, etc. Justice cannot be rushed.

Puja

[Which Tyler]

Justice cannot be rushed.

Especially when you're being paid by the hour

[Puja]

Shouldn't we have found out by now?

Hope this helps: https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rug ... e-27566948

Puja