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Wales Online
Wales Online
Sport
Ben James

Owen Farrell high tackle sparks fresh outrage as he wins match amid last-gasp drama

Owen Farrell was at the centre of fresh tackling controversy as he escaped a red card before then landing a game-winning drop-goal to snatch victory in a dramatic Gallagher Premiership clash.

Farrell's effort sealed a 19-16 win for Saracens over Gloucester at Kingsholm on Friday night, but it was his involvement a few minutes earlier that drew more attention than his match-winning exploits.

Five minutes from time, the England fly-half had made contact with the head of Gloucester forward Jack Clement. The TMO and referee failed to spot the offence within the time frame as the tackle took place several phases prior to the officials highlighting it.

As such, despite being a fairly clear-cut offence, Farrell was let off - paving the way for his winning intervention.

It had been an otherwise miserable night for Farrell, missing four of his six attempts at goal. But, after his reprieve, he showed up when it mattered most.

Speaking afterwards, Gloucester coach George Skivington bit his tongue somewhat when asked about the incident, saying "Do you know what, I'm not allowed to comment on things like that. But I do know we got a yellow card for something much lower level than that. Frustrating is probably the word."

The England star could yet be cited, which would leave him sweating over a possible ban before the start of the Six Nations. England kick off their campaign against Scotland at Twickenham on February 4.

Farrell has previously been involved in controversy over his tackling technique.

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