It looks almost certain that Dave Kearney will miss the beginning of the Six Nations with a shoulder injury sustained in the first minute of today's Champions Cup clash with Wasps.
There's been quite a bit of debate whether Wasps' Ashley Johnson should have been sent off for the foolish mid air tackle on Kearney, by the letter of the law you have to say he probably should have. However, the timing of the incident probably went in Johnson's favour. He was sin-binned, while Kearney was forced off in some distress.
It's difficult to say how much malice was involved in the tackle but Johnson has since taken to twitter to apologise to Ireland winger.
Really sorry for that tackle mate @kearney_dave didn't mean to injure you. Hope it's not too bad and you get back on the field soon.
— ashley johnson (@ashj1605) January 24, 2015
The majority of those replying to Johnson seemed to suggest that the tweet was an example of what makes rugby special.
@ashj1605 @kearney_dave The difference between rugby and football right there! Well played both of you. Great match
— Ash of the Dead (@ashbayliss) January 24, 2015
@ashj1605 @kearney_dave Ash, everyone knows it was an accident, you just ain't that sort of guy.,, well played everyone
— Tony (@tfgr_t) January 24, 2015
@ashj1605 great example of the Core Values of Rugby. Pretty sure @kearney_dave took the hit for what it was big game kick off excitement.
— Martin Swann (@Swanndog78) January 24, 2015
However, you would have to assume that they are Wasps fans responding to one of their own, and there was some dissenting voices from elsewhere.
@ashj1605 @ultimaterugby @kearney_dave I am sure Mr Kearney woulld love to rely but his arm is in a sling
— Aidan Tyrrell (@TiddlerAT) January 24, 2015
@ashj1605 @kearney_dave fair play to Johnson for reaching out. That said, damage may well be done. Apology doesn't fix it. Hope DK ok.
— Mark Breen (@mark_breen) January 24, 2015
