Liam Williams got the usual Twitter treatment after the making the very most out of a soft challenge from Iain Henderson during Wales' 34-10 loss to Ireland in the opening game of the 2023 Six Nations this afternoon.
The second-half incident occurred when substitute Henderson attempted to charge down a kick from the Welsh fullback. In the process of his follow through, however, he made contact with the torso of Williams.
Williams fell to the floor dramatically despite the minimal contact, and remained on the ground clutching his body in pain.
His play acting worked to an extent, with Wales awarded a penalty, but referee Karl Dickson decided that a card was not necessary after reviewing the footage.
Liam Williams Roundly Criticised For 'Play Acting Against Ireland'
Liam Williams pic.twitter.com/FdfxKLNVmQ
— Jay Long (........Blue Tick) (@Jay_Long_626) February 4, 2023
Liam Williams needs to be taking up soccer with a dive like that.
— Chris McCann (@canntoya) February 4, 2023
Liam Williams hitting the deck like #WALvIRE pic.twitter.com/dykCkfLLeC
— Clare Molloy (@ClareeMolloy) February 4, 2023
Liam Williams #WALvIRE pic.twitter.com/Wi71UU61q3
— Claire (@MsClaire_Cotter) February 4, 2023
For a hard man ex-scaffolder - Liam Williams folded himself up like a deckchair at the slightest of touches. What a dirty diving cheat!!! #WALvIRE
— Lord Peter of Williamsonfailedshire (@Fergalson) February 4, 2023
Liam Williams rolling around faking a penalty like an italian footballer. Absolutely pathetic #WALvIRE #CYMvIWE
— Dame DotCottonCandy, Duchess of Beep the Meep 🇵🇸 (@comagirlx) February 4, 2023
I suppose what goes around comes around. But that isn’t a yellow card for Williams.
— A-P (@rugby_ap) February 4, 2023
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Prior to the game, Wales' captain Ken Owens spoke about his concentrating on playing rugby, but it seems as though Liam Williams had different ideas.
“The only thing we can do is concentrate on the rugby and what is coming on Saturday. At the end of the day that is what we are here to do.
“For us, the only thing we can control tomorrow is a performance, to put pride back into the Welsh shirt after what has been a tough couple of years with consistency.
“The only way we can do that as players is by delivering a performance that is worthy for the red shirt.
“The way they play the game is high-tempo, everybody is on the same page and they have got threats all across the park.
“They will go in as favourites, I think. Everybody is writing us off as a team but we know what we expect from ourselves, as a squad and as individuals."
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