BBC SPORT | Rugby Union | Wilkinson backs Grewcock

England and Newcastle fly-half Jonny Wilkinson has warned rugby authorities not to make an example of Bath's Danny Grewcock.

News image
Grewcock was red-carded for kicking Kyran Bracken

The England second row was sent off during the weekend clash against Saracens after appearing to kick scrum-half Kyran Bracken in the face.

It is the second red card of Grewcock's career, and he faces the possibility of a 12-week ban which would rule him out of England's tough November friendlies against New Zealand, Australia and South Africa.

But Wilkinson has urged the Rugby Football Union's disciplinary panel to be lenient.

"I've got to say that I hope the right decision is made for Danny," Wilkinson said in his exclusive column for BBC Sport Online.

Read Wilkinson's latest column in full

"Missing out on the opportunity to challenge for an England place would be a massive blow not just for the team but for him.

"Danny's a great rugby player, a massive force in the game and has represented England superbly over the years.

"So let's hope the right decision is made."

I would be fully prepared to be a witness for Danny at a disciplinary hearing

Kyran Bracken

Disciplinary officials will study video footage of the incident on Tuesday, but is understood not to provide conclusive proof of Grewcock's guilt.

Saracens' club tape also fails to shed any light on the off-the-ball incident, according to head coach Wayne Shelford.

"You can't see anything on the video," said Shelford. "Obviously the touch judge saw it but there is nothing clear on tape."

Grewcock has received support from Bracken, who needed stitches following the incident.

"What happened was that the ball went to the base of the scrum," Bracken said.

Bracken: Danny not guilty

Match report: Saracens 28-3 Bath

"Basically I think his boot connected with my face. I just hope all he gets is a red card and he can be back playing soon.

"Both of us were pretty worried and I am positive it was an accident, so I would be fully prepared to be a witness for him at a disciplinary hearing."

The incident follows Martin Johnson's three week ban last season, when TV cameras cleary showed the England captain punching Saracens' hooker Robbie Russell off the ball.


	Links to more Rugby Union stories