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'Some say headbutt' - England prop could be in trouble after grainy video highlighted on Twitter
By Ian Cameron
England prop Ellis Genge could have a case to answer after a grainy video suggests the replacement loosehead may have struck a Welsh player with his head.
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The footage – which was highlighted by former England player Andy Goode on Twitter – possibly shows Genge headbutting Welsh tighthead Tomas Francis as he knelt on the ground. “Thoughts on this people? Some say headbutt some say nothing…,” wrote Goode.
In real-time referee Romain Poite marched Wales back after Francis remonstrated following the scuffle late in the second half, but the video suggests Genge at the very least could have a case to answer.
The video is not immediately conclusive. It could be that the angle makes Genge look like he head-butted the Exeter Chiefs prop, when in fact he just engages him very rapidly front on.
While it’s admittedly hard to make out if there is head to head contact, in the court of public opinion on social media, many believe Genge could be guilty of an infringement.
Thoughts on this people? Some say headbutt some say nothing…… pic.twitter.com/WtNl0ds3Y9
— Andy Goode (@AndyGoode10) November 28, 2020
“Genge headbutt clear as day yet not picked up by officials or commentary. Have a word,” said another account, who tweeted a clearer video of the incident.
Genge headbutt clear as day yet not picked up by officials or commentary. Have a word. pic.twitter.com/xEFicrQuDd
— AJF (@AF03ASH) November 28, 2020
“I haven’t seen that yet. Although I assume Genge will be banned until 10 minutes before England’s next game kicks off,” said another.
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I haven't seen that yet. Although I assume Genge will be banned until 10 minutes before England's next game kicks off 🤦🏻♂️
— Rhys Knott (@wrhys_writes) November 28, 2020
“Yikes. Ellis Genge could be in a heap of trouble. No wonder Francis took umbridge and spoke up. Although he got marched back 10 for his trouble! Can’t follow through into a player on the floor with your head these days. Be interesting [sic] to see if the citing commissioner picks it up,” said another.
https://twitter.com/JPearce_JP/status/1332762149836435458
If citing commissioners pick on the alleged incident, Genge will face a disciplinary panel this week and, if found guilty, could miss the rest of England’s Autumn Nations Cup. A head butt strike could see the fiery Leicester Tigers’ loosehead prop face weeks on the sidelines.
