ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Former pros show difference in opinion in Marler incident

BY Grant Constable  ·  Monday Mar 9, 2020

Barely a rugby match can go by these days without some form of controversy that is open for discussion afterwards. Joe Marler’s latest misdeed seems different though, and one that may not die down quickly. 

ADVERTISEMENT

England’s loosehead prop grabbed Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones’ genitals in the first half of their contest on Saturday, an offence that carries a minimum of a 12-week suspension under World Rugby Law 9.27.

Like so many incidents on social media, people have separated into two groups on this occasion: those that are ardently in support of Marler, and those that are not.

Two former England players, Will Carling and Andy Goode, have both succinctly summarised both arguments in reaction to this.

The former flyhalf Goode has suggested whether this incident would have received the same reaction in a workplace, particularly noting Gareth Thomas’ jocular reaction to it, something he has since apologised for.

Goode also said on Twitter that “people think it’s funny but the values our game has been built around aren’t in great shape at the minute”.

https://twitter.com/AndyGoode10/status/1236378514816929793?s=20

ADVERTISEMENT

https://twitter.com/AndyGoode10/status/1236386205224370176?s=20

Conversely, the former England captain Carling has said that perspective is needed in this situation. He further added: “Surely by just watching the footage we can all see it was not aggressive, did not cause pain. So jumping to all these ludicrous assumptions is just total overreaction to what was intended to be a humorous wind up.”

It is the fact that there was no aggression in Marler’s antics at Twickenham that has made this a complex matter, as it was an attempt to wind up the Wales captain rather than assault him. While the reaction has been fairly binary, this is a much more nebulous matter, which is unprecedented.

ADVERTISEMENT

The prop has been cited, and will face a disciplinary hearing on Thursday in Dublin, and regardless of the outcome, there will be a significant reaction from one side of this debate.

This is what Wyn Jones himself had to say about it:

Related Articles

  • 31 WEEKS AGO

    Tickets now on sale as World XV set to face...

  • 31 WEEKS AGO

    '60 metres, plus change' - massive drop goal...

  • 31 WEEKS AGO

    Referee makes 'tackle of the season' as he...



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 2 DAYS AGO

    Fans in awe as Joyce finishes ‘impossible’ solo try

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    WATCH: Outlandish Jacob Stockdale finish is truly world class

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Ulster denied THE GREATEST URC try you will ever see!

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Capuozzo break sets Dupont up for hatrick on return

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Fans praise 'Dom Perignon Rugby' as Irish players prepare for final match of South African tour

View All

Big Hits & Dirty Play

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    WATCH: The biggest hit from week one of the Autumn Nations Series

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    'Cheap shot' from Leicester Tigers vs Northampton Saints causing a stir online

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Wild moment leads to all in brawl during Welsh derby between Cardiff and Scarlets

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    South African school boy makes the greatest tackle ever

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Huge guillotine tackle divides fans in viral footage

View All

See It To Believe It

  • 2 DAYS AGO

    Fans in awe as Joyce finishes ‘impossible’ solo try

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Insane moment as french backrow waves off medic and smokes Ange Capuozzo

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible drop goal helps break 25-match losing streak

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Leinster fly half delivers insane 50:22 after being given start for Emerging Ireland

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    French scrumhalf drills perfect shot at goal under outrageous circumstances

View All

Funnies

  • 4 DAYS AGO

    “Put that in the book” - Rieko Ioane’s explosive post reignites feud with Sexton

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    Mischievous Marcus Smith spotted engaging in the dark arts during All Blacks match

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Jonny Sexton: 'Fondest memory of the Heineken Cup in 2011?' - 'Gordon D'Arcy's bar' and 'Coppers'

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Watch: Mike Haley's post match interaction with RG Snyman leaves no doubt about where Munster players stand

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    The rugby guy and Mack Hansen drop an all time BANGER with latest video

View All

Amateur

  • 96 WEEKS AGO

    You Won’t See Many Better Than This Silky-Smooth Try From Llandovery RFC

  • 96 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes As Caldy RFC Hand Ealing First Championship Defeat Of The Season

  • 119 WEEKS AGO

    Dubious Score Decides Result Of Rugby's Biggest Schools Fixture

  • 119 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes At School Boys Rugby Match

  • 120 WEEKS AGO

    The Next Dominant Backrow?

View All

Player Features

  • 18 HOURS AGO

    Anthony Watson exclusive: 'I wouldn't be surprised if England win'

  • 4 DAYS AGO

    It’s a 9.5/10 for Joseph-Aukuso Sua’ali’i

  • 4 DAYS AGO

    “Put that in the book” - Rieko Ioane’s explosive post reignites feud with Sexton

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    Should Steve Borthwick have brought on George Ford? Or trusted in Marcus Smith?

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Louis Rees-Zammit opens up about his biggest shock in chasing NFL dream

View All