England prop Joe Marler has been given a 10-week ban for grabbing Alun Wyn Jones’ genitals during Saturday’s Six Nations win over Wales.
The panel found the offence warranted a low-end entry point of 12 weeks, reducing it by three weeks for mitigating factors including good character and remorse, but adding a week due to Marler’s disciplinary record.
Here are how former professionals have reacted to the news:
I think Marler's 10 week ban is harsh, but Joe should never have put the disciplinary panel in the position where they felt they had to do something – some, though limited, sympathy.
— Brian Moore (@brianmoore666) March 12, 2020
I am struggling with this. For the left ‘incident’ a 3 week ban. For the right hand ‘incident’ 10 weeks. 🤔 pic.twitter.com/C0fXk1VEMQ
— Will Carling (@willcarling) March 12, 2020
BREAKING: England rugby star Joe Marler banned for 10 weeks for tickling the Welsh captain’s testicles. The world’s gone nuts. pic.twitter.com/BdGmtZz7mR
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) March 12, 2020
Joe Marler must have an amazing lawyer pic.twitter.com/AfKwgfkgQx
— Graham Love (@glove931) March 12, 2020
— Jonathan Davies OBE (@JiffyRugby) March 12, 2020
LIST | 5 HUGE transfers that could still happen
As transfers continue to be completed ahead of the 2020/21 Premiership season, there are a number of moves still on the agenda…
1. Sergio Parisse (London Irish)
The Italy legend could continue his professional career in 2020/21 after London Irish offered him a lucrative one-year contract, according to RUCK sources.
With survival confirmed following Saracens relegation, London Irish have been on hunt for a marquee signing ahead of their move to Brentford FC’s new Community Stadium. It’s projected to have a capacity of 17,250.
This move could definitely still happen.