News24 | England coach laments ‘personal attacks’ on Farrell in overturned red card row

• England coach Steve Borthwick says there was too much disruption around Owen Farrell for the skipper to be picked for Saturday’s Test against Ireland.
• Farrell’s involvement in the Rugby World Cup is in doubt after World Rugby appealed against the decision to overturn his red card against Wales.
• The England mentor says the situation is one he finds “really disappointing”. 
• For more sports news, go to the News24 Sport front page. 

Steve Borthwick said Owen Farrell had been subjected to “personal attacks” as the England captain was again forced to face the possibility of missing the start of the Rugby World Cup.

Flyhalf Farrell could be up before another disciplinary panel as soon as next week, after World Rugby announced on Thursday it would appeal against the decision to overturn his red card for a head-high tackle on Taine Basham in England’s 19-17 warm-up win over Wales at Twickenham last weekend.

Borthwick had wanted – and was free – to select Farrell, 31, for the warm-up game with Ireland, the world’s top-rankled side, in Dublin on Saturday.

But such was the disruption Farrell had suffered, former England captain Borthwick left him out his matchday 23 entirely, with George Ford now starting at No 1src instead.

Ireland coach Andy Farrell slammed much of the commentary surrounding son Owen by saying “the circus that’s gone on, in and around all of this, is absolutely disgusting, in my opinion, disgusting”.

READ | ‘Absolutely disgusting’: Ireland coach Farrell slams ‘circus’ over son Owen’s rescinded red card

Borthwick was not as blunt, but his feelings were clear.

“Unfortunately, given the disruption