Joe Marler facing lengthy ban after sparking mass brawl with ‘p*** poor’ comment about rival’s mum who is in hospital
HARLEQUINS star Joe Marler faces a lengthy ban for a “p*** poor” comment about Bristol ace Jake Heenan’s mum.
The 83-cap England international publicly apologised on social media for the derogatory remark.
Marler is expected to be cited by the RFU and could be handed a hefty suspension, according to The Times.
His comment sparked a brawl in the first half of Bristol’s 15-12 win over Quins on Tuesday.
A fuming Heenan, 30, had to be restrained by team-mates as the two teams set up for a scrum.
The Bristol flanker could be heard saying on referee Karl Dickson’s microphone: “Karl, Karl, my mum is in hospital.”
Bristol captain Steven Luatua called out Marler on Twitter after the game, asking the Harlequins prop to apologise.
He wrote: “@JoeMarler Surely @HeenanJake deserves an apology. Fair? Merry Christmas.”
Marler wrote back and apologised to Heenan for his “p*** poor” comment, allegedly concerning the flanker’s mum.
He said: “Yep. You’re right. I’m sorry Jake Heenan – p*** poor from me. Owe you a pint/coffee in the new year.”
The Times say Marler has personally apologised to Heenan in addition to his tweet.
Referee Dickson said on the field: “I know there was an allegation of what was said, I actually didn’t hear what was said but if it’s really clear on the comms after it will be dealt with.
“Unfortunately I can’t allow what happened straight after to occur, so it’s going to be a penalty against seven [Heenan] for what you did after.
“I didn’t hear what was said but if it’s offensive it will be picked up after and dealt with but I can’t do anything, as I didn’t hear it.”
He then said to Bristol skipper Luatua: “I agree, it wasn’t in the spirit of the game.”
Bristol director of rugby Pat Lam said after the game: “Something was said and there was a reaction from Jake I have never seen before.
“We are all custodians of the game, players, coaches and one thing we all value and we all work hard to keep is the right values and spirit.
“I love Joe Marler, but I brought Jake over from New Zealand to Connacht and to here. He is like a son to our family and I have never seen him like that.
“He reacted to something that was said. That is what I know happened. I will leave that to other people, we will just crack on.”