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Ferris and Barclay lead the charge in questioning length of Fagerson ban compared to O'Mahony suspension

(Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Former international back rows Stephen Ferris and John Barclay have questioned the Guinness Six Nations ban handed down to Scotland’s Zander Fagerson compared to the suspension given to Ireland’s Peter O’Mahony the week before. 

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Ex-Irish flanker Ferris said on Twitter that “this is all wrong” after Fagerson was handed a four-match ban for what he described as a “mistimed clean out” on Wales’ Wyn Jones last Saturday at Murrayfield, while O’Mahony was given a three-match ban for “an elbow to the face” of Tomas Francis in Cardiff on February 7.

Retired Scotland captain Barclay echoed the sentiments of Ferris, saying on Twitter that his compatriot Fagerson was “attempting to clear a jackler”. 

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The Six Nations Isuzu player of the round award

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The Six Nations Isuzu player of the round award

There are many fans online in agreement with the former Test forwards. While few think that the Scot did not deserve a red card, the majority of people think that his offence was not as bad as O’Mahony’s. 

But for every person that has questioned this decision, there has been someone emphasising that the bans were different because the Irishman pleaded guilty to his red card while the Scotland tighthead contested his. 

“This was outlined in the hearing statement issued by the Six Nations: “He made contact with Wales prop Wyn Jones. Fagerson accepted that he had committed an act of foul play, but did not accept that it warranted a red card.

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“The disciplinary committee found that Fagerson had committed an act of foul play (an infringement of law 9.20(a) and that it had warranted a red card. The committee found that the act of foul play warranted a mid-range entry point (six weeks) and reduced that by two weeks to take account of mitigating factors (including his admission of foul play, good disciplinary record and remorse).”

Even when taking into account the reasoning behind the decisions, Ferris said it still felt wrong and again there were many that agreed with him. The fact that O’Mahony was deemed lucky to have avoided a ban earlier in the Guinness PRO14 season for a similar offence only makes this latest situation a harder one to comprehend. 

The four-game ban means prop Fagerson will now miss the remainder of Scotland’s Six Nations campaign, although he has the right to appeal. 

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R
RedWarrior 59 minutes ago
Records show All Blacks' greatest rugby adversary is now Ireland

Foster was literally whinging about the TMO in the Ireland series in the presser AFTER the RWC final. NZs whinging about the final itself was apparently picked up by Voyager 2 which was near the asteroid belt. What about the whingefest and crybabies after O'Mahony's legendary sledge (during the match) on Sam Cane?


I often hear talk about NZ players being poisoned or similar nonsense during the 1995 final. NZ boast that they are 'superstars' and 'humble heroes' on their own website. You gave England the same treatment in 2002-2003, calling them arrogant just because they beat you. They told the rest of us then what you were like, we should have listened. I would give as much credence to a NZ supporter disliking us, as I would to Krusty the clown saying the same thing. Let's just say your judgement may not be the best.


Regarding 2016, as the referee had basically let NZ away with cheating their way to victory via filthy dangerous play and fouling he was hardly going to pull Sexton up when clearly trying to stop a grounding. NZ always leave the boot or arm in to hurt a try scorer but that seems to be invisible to you entitles lot.


BTW NZ have literally being whinging and crying about Ireland since Soldier field. You are just very bad losers. We will be delighted to be shot of you on Friday. I hope we do so with a win, so that you rethink your philosophy of mocking opponents and spectators you've just beaten.


After the match last Saturday the internet was full of Kiwi supporters basically abusing English folk. Where is your national honour? Where is your national integrity?

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