Bath's Ollie Lawrence apologises for role in Alex Mitchell sin-binning in Premiership game with Northampton
Bath's Ollie Lawrence apologises for role in Alex Mitchell's sin-binning in game vs Northampton; centre had just crumpled to the floor after clash of heads but then appeared to smile at the decision; Lawrence apologises on social media after being accused of overreacting
Monday 6 January 2025 13:56, UK
Ollie Lawrence has apologised for his role in an incident that led to England team-mate Alex Mitchell being sin binned in Bath's Gallagher Premiership defeat at Northampton on Sunday.
Lawrence and Mitchell clashed heads when the Saints scrum-half was making a tackle at Franklin's Gardens, with the Bath centre crumpling to the ground holding his face after the collision.
Referee Anthony Woodthorpe brandished a yellow card to Mitchell before Lawrence appeared to smile at the decision as team-mate Finn Russell prepared to kick the resulting penalty.
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Following accusations that he had overreacted, Lawrence used his X account to express his remorse.
"Apologies if my actions today offended anyone," he wrote. "On review, I understand the frustration voiced! I'll be better."
Lawrence had earlier annoyed home spectators with a late shoulder charge on George Hendy that forced the full-back out of the game.
Saints beat Bath 35-34 as Fin Smith converted a last-gasp penalty, handing the league leaders just their second defeat of the season.
Bath had inflicted a record 68-10 loss on Saracens a week earlier.
