Owen Farrell slammed for 'backchat' caught over referee's mic
Rugby NewsSunday, 20 November 2022 at 15:26
Owen Farrell has come under fire for openly criticising the match official after his words were picked up by the referee's microphone.
It was a special day for the England captain who was winning his 100th cap for his country as they recorded a 25-25 draw with the All Blacks.
Farrell could be heard saying to Mathieu Raynal: “You’re only looking for one team, ref.”
Raynal responded: “I’m looking for both.”
To which Farrell said: “Doesn’t feel like it.”
This was the second time during the weekend that such a comment was picked up. Earlier in the day, referee Matt Carley was forced to issue a warning to South Africa captain Siya Kolisi after South Africa hooker Bongi Mbonambi demands that the English official ‘referees both sides’.
One fan wrote: "Owen Farrell really have to be careful here, he’s certainly not going to get on the right side of this referee this way"
"Farrell's captaincy really doesn't endear referees to him, does it?," said a second.
A third thought the incident differed, writing: "They aren’t analogous. Farrell is the captain and entitled to speak to the referee - and he did so respectfully. Mbonambi wasn’t and didn’t."
OWEN FARRELL FACTS:
1. He started off in Rugby League
His education began in rugby league - he joined Wigan St Patricks at the age of eight.
2. School days
It's well known that the Saracens star went to school with England teammate George Ford, however, it's less well known that he went onto study Business at Hertfordshire University.
3. Celebration
Farrell celebrates every point he scores by linking his index fingers together to make a 'JJ' sign, the Joining Jack salute, Joining Jack being a charity dedicated to the needs of sufferers of Duchenne muscular dystrophy.[ Farrell is also a patron for Duchenne muscular dystrophy charity Duchenne UK.
4. Record-breaker
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.
5. Family ties
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 also has two younger sisters, Elleshia and Gracie and one younger brother, Gabriel.
6. Tying the knot
He married his longtime girlfriend Georgina “Georgie” Farrell (née Lyon) in July 2018. Their son, Tommy Farrell, was born in March 2019. They keep their life largely private.
7. Name change
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.
8. Dog lover
Along with his wife Georgie, he loves long walks with his dogs.
9. Idols
Owen Farrell loves Swiss tennis star, Roger Federer. He admires his game management, consistency and skill.
10. Most physical player he's faced
"Schalk Burger without a doubt. He has something special inside him that keeps him going all day."
11. Almost joining Manchester United
In 2005, the 13-year-old Farrell had a trial at Old Trafford, and did enough to convince the club's academy executives that the then goalkeeper deserved an extended spell with the club. Years later, they dressed him up as a goalkeeper on his stag fo.
12. Car
The England captain currently drives a Land Rover defender.
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